Owlets Have Hatched!

We have two eastern screech owl nest on our owl boxes this season and both nest have successful hatches. This is the first time in over 10 years since we started this project that we have had two nests in our owl boxes.

First and second egg hatched on 4/22/2024 in Owl Box 4

The nest in Owl Box 4 is home to a pair named Violet and Griffin. Violet is a gray phase eastern screech owl and Griffin is a red phase eastern screech owl. This year Violet laid 4 eggs this season. Her first egg was laid on 3/19/2024. This first two eggs both hatch on 4/22 and the other two eggs are not viable.

First egg hatched on 4/22/2024 in Owl Box 5

In Owl Box 5 we have our second eastern screech owl nest. This nest box is home to a pair named Lala and Grayson. Lala and Grayson are both gray phase eastern screech owls. Lala laid 4 eggs this season and all 4 eggs successfully hatched. Her first owlet hatched on 4/22 and the last owlet hatched on 4/25.

Where can I watch the screech owls?

You can watch all 9 of our live streaming owl boxes at once at this link: https://pixcams.com/screech-owls/. Sometimes the males from the nest boxes roost in the same box with the female, but as the owlets grow they will sometimes roost in the other boxes during the day. Since the trees are leafing out now the males will sometimes roost in a tree and can be hidden by the leaves during the day. The 9-camera view will give you a quick overview where all the owls are located on a particular day.

Links to Owl Box Nests:

Eastern Screech Owl Nest in Owl Box 4

https://pixcams.com/owl-box-4/

Eastern Screech Owl Nest in Owl Box 5

https://pixcams.com/owl-box-5/

Eastern Screech Owls Nesting Facts

The Eastern screech owl, a small and elusive nocturnal bird of prey native to North America, is known for its intricate nesting behavior. These owls typically nest in tree cavities, relying on natural hollows or abandoned woodpecker nests for shelter. Their preference for tree cavities makes them highly adaptable to various woodland environments, including forests, parks, and suburban areas with suitable tree cover.

Nesting season for Eastern screech owls typically begins in late winter to early spring, with courtship rituals marking the onset of breeding behavior. Mated pairs engage in elaborate vocalizations and displays to strengthen their bond and establish territory. Once a suitable nesting site is selected, the female takes the lead in preparing the nest, while the male assists by providing food and defending the territory.

The female typically lays a clutch of 2 to 6 eggs over a period of several days, with each egg spaced a couple of days apart. She diligently incubates the eggs, rarely leaving the nest except to forage for food, while the male continues to provide her with sustenance. The incubation period lasts around 26 to 30 days, during which time the parents take turns caring for the eggs and keeping them warm.

After hatching, the young owlets are completely dependent on their parents for food, warmth, and protection. The parents work tirelessly to feed their hungry brood, bringing a variety of prey items such as insects, small mammals, birds, and even reptiles back to the nest. As the chicks grow, the parents gradually introduce them to solid food and teach them essential hunting skills through play and observation.

Plenty of food for the owlets in Owl Box 4!

Nesting activities continue for 26-30 days as the owlets mature and develop their flight feathers. Once they are strong enough, the young owls fledge from the nest, learning to navigate their surroundings and hunt for food under the watchful eyes of their parents. We expect the owlets to fledge sometime at the end of May. The family bond remains strong even after the young owls become independent, with the parents often providing guidance and support until the next breeding season begins. Overall, the nesting activity of the Eastern screech owl exemplifies their remarkable adaptability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Spring Bird Migration Update!

Last week our WildWatch Weekly topic was “Spring Migration Underway: Tips on Attracting Tropical Birds to your Bird Feeders”, link here: https://pixcams.com/spring-migration-underway-tips-on-attracting-tropical-birds-to-your-bird-feeders/. Over the weekend we had a very high migration period and they tropical birds have arrived at our feeder stations!

Here are some video clips for you to enjoy of the new species that have arrived!

Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks

Baltimore Orioles

Gray Catbirds

Indigo Buntings

Watch our Bird Feeding Stations

You can watch any of our four bird feeding stations located in southwestern Pennsylvania. Our feeding stations have special feeders out to attract the tropical birds that have recently migrated to our area to nest this summer. You can enjoy watching these colorful birds for months to come!

PA Bird Feeder 1: https://pixcams.com/pa-bird-feeder-1/

PA Bird Feeder 2: https://pixcams.com/pa-bird-feeder-2/

PA Bird Feeder 3 Close-Up View: https://pixcams.com/pa-bird-feeder-3/

Lujii Garden Hummingbird Feeders: https://pixcams.com/lujiigarden-bird-