Owl Update: Pass the Cigars and the Kleenex

Today was the first sighting of a baby.  We won't be sure how many are in the box unless fortunate enough to see them leaving the nest.  The last brood we hosted had four young!

Sadly we haven't seen or heard the momma since Sunday evening.  Daily perched on the arbor in clear sight of the box, she vigilantly watched the goings on of the backyard. The poppa continues to sit in the photinia which also gives a clear view of the nest.  At dusk he leaves his roost to feed the young alone.

Momma (photo taken the Friday before she disappeared)

I fear she was prey to a great horned owl. My husband heard their nearby calls Sunday night when he was out in the yard with our dog.  I hope I'm wrong and she is just well hidden but given that I haven't heard her either, I fear the worst.

As my daughter says, they've all got babies with their beaks open and they've all got to eat.  She's right.  Still, I'm heartbroken.

Owl Update :: There You are Regal Fella!

There were six days of no owl sightings, no familiar trills in the evening, nothing.  I was sure something horrible had happened.  I fretted and pondered, coming up with all kinds of ill fated scenarios. 

A few days ago while glancing up into the branches of the windmill palm I was rewarded with the sight of the male perched proud and regal.  I love his new digs as I can catch quick glimpses of him as I work around the garden.  He sits high above the garden within clear sight of the box and his mate.   I'm wondering if he changed the location of his perch because the photinia (in my neighbor's yard) bloomed and smelled to high heaven? 

The female has been noticeably absent.  I'm guessing she is now sitting on the eggs.  She emerges for brief moments to gather some fresh air and then she tucks back into the nest. 

From The Owl Pages:

Owls lay between one and thirteen eggs, depending on the species and also on the particular season; for most, however, three or four is the more common number. The eggs are rounded and white; there is little need for cryptic markings given the concealed nature of most nest sites, and the vigor with which they are defended. Incubation of the eggs usually begins when the first one is laid, and lasts, in most species, for around thirty days. During incubation, the eggs are rarely left alone. Female owls, like many other birds, develop a sparsely feathered area on their bellies called a brood patch. The almost bare skin has a higher density of blood vessels than other parts of the skin, providing a direct source of warmth when in contact with the eggs.

Momma owl is going to be putting that brood patch to good use the next couple of days.  We're experiencing a late cold front.  It's raining as I type (yay!) and the north wind is howling.  Lows are expected in the 30's-40's tonight depending on location.  My garden is usually a few degrees colder than the central city.  I'll be covering a few plants just in case. 

There's never a dull moment in a Texas garden.

Birding :: In The Backyard

Yesterday the male owl left the box giving the female a chance to catch some fresh air.  He perched in a nearby shrub where he had a clear view of the nest.  The squawking jays gave his position away.  The female took advantage of his departure and sat napping for the bulk of the afternoon.  She didn't seem concerned as I tidied the patio and kept an eye on her.  

She is bigger than the male and her markings look darker to me.  When she sits at the opening more of her body leans forward giving a better glimpse of her full head.  The male typically has his head pulled back more and his ears aren't as visible.  

female Eastern screech owl 2014

The female from the last family we hosted in 2012 was red and much easier to distinguish from the male who was gray.  She was a beautiful owl and had such a fierce, stern look about her. 

female Eastern screech owl 2012

Judging from the clarity of the photo from 2012, I need to clean my lens or else the window; or maybe both! 

Monday several dozen cedar waxwings swooped in and gathered in the tops of the live oak trees in the greenbelt.  There is a nasty Chinaberry tree back there too; maybe they are eating those berries?  Large groups congregate around the edge of the stock tank pond for a quick drink.  They are gorgeous birds.  You can learn more about them here.

Today I glanced up into the oaks while standing at the sink (my second favorite spot to watch the owls) and saw something big fly in.  My first thought was that it was one of the owls but it was actually a red shouldered hawk.  He sat high in the canopy of the tree scanning the entire backyard looking for something tasty.  After a few minutes and finding nothing of interest he moved on.  I think our yard is a regular stop after the incident I witnessed a few weeks ago.

While putzing around the garden I startled a rabbit (it startled me too) and it went running across the yard toward the fence.  As it darted toward what it thought was safety, a hawk swooped down from the trees above and nearly caught it!  Oh! My! Gosh!  I can't imagine what it would have been like to witness that carnage!  You know, if I'm being honest, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if the rabbit moved on... Don't judge.

Have you had any surprises in the garden lately?

I'm Like a Momma with a New Baby

Y'all I can't help myself.  I'm completely smitten with this guy.  I'm transfixed.  Maybe even a bit obsessed.  

He's visible from the kitchen, dining and family room windows.  Upstairs the best view is from my son's room.  Specifically, his bed.  Where I perch.  Constantly.  To take more photos.  

He/she? has taken to sitting at the opening of the box during the day which leads me to think the box must be getting a bit crowded.  With momma and eggs?  I don't know.  Maybe with owlets?  It seems early for that though.  

The eggs take nearly a month to hatch and then the owlets are box bound for approximately another month.  You can be sure I'll keep you posted!  I just pray I'll get to take some photos of the owlets because they are the CUTEST things ever.

On the down side, I haven't spotted many anoles yet this spring.  My garden is usually thriving with their presence...  Having said that, I noticed this the last time we had owls nesting here and their population recovered. 

The folks that live here with me are pretty sure I need an intervention.   I claim there are much worse things I could be doing with my time.  

We Rejoice and Give Thanks :: Spring

Dear God, 

We rejoice and give thanks for earthworms, 

                                                     

bees, ladybirds and broody hens; for

                                                    

humans tending their gardens, talking to 

                                                   

animals, cleaning their homes and singing to 

                                                     

themselves; for the rising of the sap, the 

                                                    

fragrance of growth, the invention of the

                                                     

wheelbarrow and the existence of the

                                                     

teapot, we give thanks.  We celebrate and 

                                                     

give thanks. 

                                                  

Amen

                                                     

The Prayer Tree - Leunig

p.s. we rejoice and give thanks for screech owls too ♥

Wordless Wednesday :: For the Love of Birds

Wordless Wednesday :: Camouflage

The Beauty of Seed Time and Harvest

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life ... a true 

folk festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seed time

and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of

all these things with God. 

                                                                                            ~ Ray Stannard Baker

  


To those celebrating the holiday; Happy Thanksgiving - wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!

When You're Goofy and You Know It

What do you do in Austin, Texas when thunderstorms roll in and the thermometer barely reaches into the 80's in mid July?  Not just one day, but two days in a row?  Well, what any Texas girl worth her boots would do...

Stalk radar...

Let's zoom in on that a bit just because it makes me so happy.  See the bright orange there in the middle of the cell?  That indicates the heaviest rain sitting right over the lake and my neighborhood.  Yes!

Stalk the rain gauge...

Three and one-half inches fell on July 9th and another one inch fell last night.  Oh my, a drought weary garden could get used to this!  Just last week the live oak trees dropped a bunch of leaves from drought stress.

All this stormy weather has me in the mood to cook steamy, comfort foods and drink hot tea.  Something I haven't done since, oh, I don't know, February...

While stalking the rain gauge, I found this little hummer taking a break.  Oh good, something else to stalk!

All the excitement from these thunderstorms has left me feeling joyfully giddy.  We just don't see these kinds of temperatures and rain totals in July.  

Could it be that some new growth on the wildflowers beyond the fence will satisfy the bunnies?  Could it be that they might leave the black-eyed Susan alone in the garden? 

Could be...after all, if you'd asked me a week ago if I'd be adding 4.5" to my rain gauge page I would have shaken my head woefully.  Apparently, a girl can dream.

Impressions of Summer

Sometimes it's Not About the Photo...Moments Captured as Memories

Many moments in our gardens aren't captured anywhere other than our fond memories; no photographs to bring easy recollection.  A few quiet observations this week have been so sweet that I wanted to make a record of them.  For some they may be insignificant but for this gardener, they're worth jotting down as they remind me this ever giving task of being a gardener is worthwhile and in the smallest of ways, appreciated.

While watering a pot of Disney ginger a little anole instantly popped out of nowhere and started slurping the water drops off the leaves.  Poor little thing was thirsty and grateful. 

A particularly friendly hummingbird flits about the garden sipping greedily from the variety of flowers planted just for their benefit.  In the middle of its round through the yard, it will often stop directly in front of me and hover as if saying a quick thank you before continuing on.  This encounter always leaves me feeling immensely blessed.

A recently placed birdbath in the front garden is getting frequent use by dozens of sparrows.  I never see them in the backyard but in the front they've claimed this spot and frolic happily for long stretches at a time taking turns drinking and bathing all the while singing sweetly.

What small, seemingly insignificant moments are you witness to?  Do they give pause to your day and bring a moment of satisfaction?  They remind me what a simple privilege it is to serve the wildlife that call our gardens home.  For their small nods of appreciation this gardener is grateful.

Add Whimsy ~ Shop Your House

It doesn't take a lot of money or time to make a little something unique in your garden.  Just a couple of friends, an idea and a willingness to fight off a few mosquitoes to pull it all together. 

Over lunch with my friend Susie, I shared an idea I'd seen for a birdbath.  She loved the suggestion so we shopped her garage and backyard and came up with everything we needed.

 This great antique basin was rescued from the garage. 

A pile of concrete pavers were found and stacked to make a pedestal.  Look at that joy!  Susie was so excited to add this birdbath outside her kitchen window. 

Next we added the basin to the pedestal, filled with some pottery shards and stones for the birds to perch on and added water.

So easy...a few found objects turned into a refreshing birdbath that is sure to bring Susie and her family lots of enjoyment as they watch the birds splashing outside their kitchen window.   

Pure birdie bliss.

Eastern Screech Owls ~ A Party at Casa de Cat

The day has come, sadly.  The screech owls left the box last night.  But oh what a party they had!  And oh how they surprised us!

Picture the four of us tightly perched on a twin size bed, faces pressed to the window, watching as one of the owlets appeared only to be pushed from the box by another owlet trying to get a better view.  We stared with rapt attention and rapidly beating hearts, wondering what would happen to this now vulnerable baby.

Fortunately, my husband placed the box in such a way that there is a limb where the owlets can perch directly below the opening of the box.  The momma flew in with what appeared to be a baby rodent, surveyed the situation, didn't seem too concerned then hovered at the opening to feed the nesting babies. 

Yes, I said babies...there are four!  Steadily, with the exception of one, we watched as the others bailed from the box.  We fretted, cooed and marveled as if they were our own offspring!

By this time, it was dark but I managed to get a {quite blurry} photo of the four of them.

The antics of these four cuties was so entertaining!  We watched for a good hour.  Three were out and exploring their expanded world while one unsure squirt hung back and watched from the safety of the box.

One bold fellow lost it's footing and fell from the perch, landing among the elephant ear.  My husband exclaimed that the leaf actually caught and slowed the fall.  That demonstrates just how light they are.  My daughter and I ventured outside to see if it was okay.  We tip-toed around in the dark, scanning the beds to no avail.  We stopped near one of the trees and I jumped when I realized the owlet was clinging to the side of the tree trunk at waist level!  My daughter was a mere 12 inches from the baby!

In my excitement I snapped a photograph.  In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have.  My daughter and I wondered at how the light from the camera may have bothered it's eyes.  I hope not too much.  It had a lot of work ahead of it to get back up into the canopy of the tree.  It was a straight, vertical ascent.

At this writing, two juveniles are with the momma roosting high in the oak, while at least one is still in the box.  I'm not sure if the fourth is in the box or off with the papa...I haven't seen either of them today. 

The indistinguishable gray fuzzies behind her are the babies. 

Last one in the house?  Oh, have I mentioned how much I'm going to miss these guys?

Here is a great link for detailed information on their habits.

Proudly Passing Out Cigars ~ Eastern Screech Owlets!

The proud parents:   Momma owl still watchful and protective as ever.

Papa owl still on security patrol nearby the box, always vigilant.

And making their debut in the garden: owlets!

Enjoyed my tea on the patio early this morning, delighting in the sound of gentle trills from the owls.  The first photo was taken two days ago, mid-day.  The second and third, this morning at dawn.  I'll be getting up early tomorrow too!

Meet Ginger ~ Our Beautiful Red Owl!

The owlets have gotten big enough for Mama, (Ginger), to leave the box.  I've seen her perched at the entrance a couple days in a row for short periods of time.  She sits and makes the softest little sounds; almost like a soft bleating or cooing.  At times she sounds like a kitten. Today, while I watched from a window, she took off to roost in a nearby shrub so I set out with camera in hand to find her.  Isn't she beautiful!?!  No sign of the owlets yet but I'm hopeful it won't be long.

I'm feeling so blessed to have these owls nest in our yard.  This has been such an amazing experience!  Thank you DJ for such an awesome Christmas present!  It's the gift that just keeps on giving :)

Mama Owl in the House While Papa Roosts Nearby

If I knew the first thing about actually performing a back flip, I would!  After many weeks of timid appearances, our beautiful, red Mama owl finally stayed at the entrance of the box long enough for me to get a shot. 

She is still very cautious but it may be that the box is getting crowded with owlets and she just needs a breath of fresh air and some space!

She perched at the entrance for a good ten minutes, allowing the whole family, including thrilled grandparents, to get a good long look. 

Always alert to everything going on in the yard...a bird had flown by;

and the house...someone walked by the kitchen window.

And certainly very alert to me in the window.  I smiled at her, making sure my eyes were kind, and sent lots of good, loving energy her way - I want her to like me of course.  I plan on taking lots of photos of her babies soon.  We need to be on very good terms!

This time of year the patio is in high demand for entertaining and relaxing but Papa owl doesn't seem to mind at all.  Everyone is eager to spend a few minutes with him and he is content to oblige, posing for numerous photographs.

This backyard experience has been one of the best for our family.  We are so eager to see the owlets; we're like proud grandparents!  I hope you don't tire of the owl posts but I just can't help it!





I

'Who' Have We Here?

Well concealed, tucked away in the jasmine, is one of the screech owls!  I've been looking 

high when I should have been looking low!

'Who' wouldn't want to roost in such a sweet smelling spot amongst the star jasmine?  

Oh, happy day!

Might I Have Owl on the Brain? What Do You See?

Eastern screech owls are all I can think of.  We experience a rush of exhilaration every time we see them.  A cute, little face appears at the box opening each evening as the sun slips below the horizon.  With the porch light on we can see the opening of the box clearly but I hate to disturb them with the light.  Last night we watched the male swoop in from the greenbelt through the tree canopy with a nice sized morsel for his mate! 

We don't however, get any photographs.  A couple of friends with owl boxes have captured photos of their resident owls during the day.  Admittedly, I haven't been home much during the past week so maybe they are coming to the opening in the daylight hours and I just haven't seen them.  I hope so.

How long, I wonder, will I be seeing owls in everything I come across...like this old water pump handle fitting...

What do you see in the picture above?  Do you see the owl?

{This image was taken in March at night.  The box is clearly visible from my son's room with the porch light on...but I am seriously hoping to get some shots of them during the day.}

Glimpses of a Spring Garden~Some Favorite Shots

Antique Rose 'Marie Daly' and Lyre Leaf Sage - left/mid foreground

Jerusalem Sage

Gulf Coast Penstemmon and Livin Easy Rose

 Globe Mallow

Aeonium

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Bloodgood Japanese Maple

Red Admiral (haven't seen any Orioles but the butterflies love the oranges)

To those of you celebrating the Easter holiday, I wish you and your family a blessed and joyous weekend!