Not only is this Screech Owl the oldest Screech Owl at the rehabilitation center, it is the oldest bird there of any type! It is their very first bird to rehab. The rehabber thinks that its advanced age could be the cause of its eye color changing. She has never seen that happen before. This little owl is also the most photographed. lol. It barely took notice of me or the camera.
I have several images I like of this little owl, and can't decide between them. Each one has something I like about it. I like the gloved hand in this image to show the relative size of this owl. I have a close up of this bird's head which makes it look like it could be the size of a Great Horned Owl. But the hand here keeps all things in perspective.
The rehabber told me that the description many owl experts have of the screech owl's ferocity is that if it were the size of a Great Horned Owl that it would hunt people! I'm glad it's small and cute.
Screech Owls are adroable! Nice pose and detail, wondered about the eyes. Trying to remember how long Dody has been rehabbing, at least 25 years or there abouts..Does that sound about right on the age?
Actually it can happen in the wild, just not often, and I'm not real sure on Screech age, I do know GHO's and other large owls can get quite old in the wild. Darling little Screeches, in the wild, are on the 'food' list.
That is a question you would have to ask Dody, Cheryl. While I have taken in a couple Screechs, Coops, etc., it is temp care only..I'm a fur and four rehabber, mostly, although I use to do songbirds, I rehab raptor food;)
Sweet little guy but glad its not larger ... hunting people ... not sure I like that :)
When you are able to photograph captives and they can be easily moved around get them to set you up in perfect sun angle, will make a difference. Sure would like seeing the left side brighter !! Excellent
the oldest Screech Owl
