Saturday, February 2

It's going to be fun

    

Salt?

 Last night for all of us East Coasters was a pleasant surprise. Live stream was up early. Salt was spotted only for a short time, but Pepper came around quite often. During Salt's visit he seemed to leap off the branch to chase something. Pepper also was on alert a few times and once flew on to the box and turned facing out , into a defensive stance. At this time of year especially this is to be expected, as they are only protecting their nesting box.

Pepper at 1:22am flew to the roof checking around everywhere and then dropped down to the front branch where at 1:32am entered the owl box, checked around inside staying for five minutes.

First owl sighting time 9:15pm PST  -  Left in the morning at 6:29am

Pepper 

 Tyto Alba (Barn Owl) Order: Strigiformes

The Barn Owl is a pale, long-winged, long-legged owl with a short squarish tail. Generally a medium-sized owl.The Barn Owl measures about 25–50 cm (9.8–20 in) in overall length, with a wingspan of some 75–110 cm (30–43 in). Adult body mass is also variable, ranging from 187 to 800 g (6.6 to 28 oz). Tail shape is a way of distinguishing the Barn Owl from true owls when seen in flight, as are the wavering motions and the open dangling feathered legs. The light face with its heart shape and the black eyes give the flying bird an odd and startling appearance, like a flat mask with oversized oblique black eyeslits, the ridge of feathers above the bill somewhat resembling a nose.

 Contrary to popular belief, it does not hoot. It instead produces the characteristic shree scream, ear-shattering at close range. Males in courtship give a shrill twitter. It can hiss like a snake to scare away intruders, and when captured or cornered, it throws itself on its back and flails with sharp-taloned feet, making for an effective defense. Also given in such situations is a rasp and a clicking snap, produced by the bill or possibly the tongue. It is most recognizable by its "mask-like" face.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

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Thank you for your excellent work, Bonnie. ~ Lilly Pad