Western Screech Owl

Western Screech Owl

My first serious year birding I used to bring my camera with me as I walked my kids to school. After dropping them off I would walk the neighborhood taking pictures of such exciting finds as Eurasian Collared Doves, Starlings, and House Sparrows. It wasn't too long, though, before I was stopped on one of these walks by the police. Someone called and complained that I was taking pictures of the kids at the elementary school. I explained to the police what I was doing and started telling them about the Yellow-rumped Warbler I had recently spotted. I could tell by the way their eyes glazed over they were very interested. Later that day I posted in the local PTA's Facebook page about what I was doing- I was hoping to get the word out so people wouldn't be so worried. The next day a friend stopped me on my walk and told me her neighbor had an owl in tree. Would I like to see it? Um...Yeah! Soon I was in this stranger's yard taking pictures of her resident Western Screech Owls.

 These particular owls were very used to people and noise.

Identification Tips

I used to think every owl was large- like the size of the Great Horned Owl or Barn Owl. These owls are not large at all. They are smaller than an American Football. If they happen to be awake the ear tufts and yellow eyes are good indicators when taken with the small size. Also the overall gray of the bird with no additional colors around the facial disk helps to identify it too.


Cool/Interesting Facts

Where I've seen them

Please note that owls in particular are very sensitive birds. If you find one, especially if you find a nesting site, please be careful who you share this information with and how you share it.

I've seen a few Western Screech Owls, most were in my own neighborhood in Pleasant Grove, UT. They tend to spend the day perched near the trunks of trees or in crevices or holes. They will nest in boxes if you want to attract them to your yard.

I have also hear/seen them up the Nebo Loop and by the Goshen Warm Springs area.

Similar Birds
Great Horned Owl
Burrowing Owl
Short-eared Owl

Sources
allaboutbirds.org