This week on PABIRDS Carole Winslow described a family of six eastern screech-owls roosting in her barn in Clarion County. Right now the family is sticking together because the youngsters haven’t learned to hunt yet.
Carole’s report reminded me of this video of screech-owls at a bird bath. Filmed in Texas in 2011, it shows an adult at the bath first, then a baby, then … it’s a party.
It was 105 degrees that day so the owls stopped by for a drink. Who knew that they bathed!
p.s. Both eastern and western screech-owls occur in Texas. Sibley’s Guide says they are similar and best identified by voice. Tony Bledsoe listened to the video and identified the faint screen-owl voice as an eastern screech-owl.
Note: The adults have lighter faces and ear tufts. The babies have round dark heads and faces.
(YouTube video by TexasChickens)
Kate that is too cute. Totally made my day. Thanks for sharing.
That is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.
Hey, @ 105 F, I’d be jumping in the water too! I remember all too well that summer day in 1988 when it hit 103 F here. I was out in my kayak on the Allegheny at Braeburn Beach (Lower Burrell) jyst below Dam 4 and being wet didn’t really help much!
How do baby birds get water as they grow in the nest? Is there enough in the food they eat?
Carol, yes there’s enough water in the food they eat. For instance, baby screech-owls eat dead mice so you can imagine …
Adorable! Thank you Kate.
Aaah. I am ending my day as I started it, enjoying this beautiful, soothing video. How sweet to see the one owl left alone in the bird bath finally getting down to some serious splashing. Thanks, Kate.
Owls are so adorable! We never think of owls as bird bath users, but any species can be