The owl box is under siege.
Tawny Owls should have possession, but they haven't been back for a few years now.
So Jackdaws have been living there, big noisy birds. The box was vacant and they liked the look of it, so in they moved. Trouble is, they like going away on holiday several times a year. They don't ask me to keep an eye on the place, or send me a postcard, they simply disappear and I suddenly notice that the woodland has become much less active and a whole lot quieter.
They were away for several weeks over Christmas and New Year. The smaller birds have enjoyed feeding in peace and I suppose Mr Squirrel must have noticed that things have quietened down, too because when I was walking around the other day I saw him disappear into the box, then he nipped out and returned again and again. Not sure if he is simply using it as a store room for food or whether he has decided to call the place home.
I had to smile to myself when I spotted two Jackdaws quietly perching on a high branch, just watching. I know they are smart birds, I wonder what they are planning to do about the situation.
I wish them all well. May the best man win and all that, but I would much rather have some owls living there.
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| Tawny Owl Box |
Well Imade a Dovecoate to use as a sparrow hotel and the bluetits moved in. A robing made a nest in a small box I put behind the rose and a wren next I has seem to have someone else move in. I await to see what this yeaar brings but I have seen the bluetits noseing around the dovcoat again. Maybe you should put a squirrel box up
ReplyDeleteThose blue tits have good taste, I seem to recall that your dovecote is a thing of great beauty! I hope that all your boxes are fully booked again this year.
DeleteI wish there was a way to entice the Barn Owl back to roost in the woodshed - but not been seen for a couple of years -sad.
ReplyDeleteHope your owls return
I hope so, Sue. I hear them all around, in the evenings. Tawnies and Barn Owl calls, but then we do have plenty of barns and woodland around here! Like you, I have actually set eyes on one for quite some time now, such a shame. Fingers crossed that we both get some owls this year.
DeleteWe have a beech tree in the garden and each year blue tits nest in a hole in the trunk.Yesterday I was looking out and saw a blackbird going in.Within seconds a blue tit was chasing the blackbird away.I think it was saying go away that is my home!!!Fascinating stuff.I do hope your owls come back.How exciting to have owls nesting.
ReplyDeleteHello busybusybeejay, sometimes it is best not to see what happens with those boxes. A few years ago I watched the blue tit family working so hard to feed their young, backwards and forwards, constantly. A sparrow came along, managed to get into the box and that was the end of the little family. I know it is just the way of nature, but grrrr.
DeleteMy bet, is on the birds...
ReplyDeleteSo sad, how the owls have never returned...
Is there a known reason? Or is it just a mystery of Nature?
Hope you continue to be, on the mend.
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I still feel as though my ribs have very strong metal bulldog clips attached to them, but the intense pain has passed. Thanks, Nanci. The 'owl' men come along a couple of times a year, they say there has been a big decline in numbers in the boxes they check. Maybe this year will be different.
DeletePlease may I ask... What Font do you use, on your blog?
ReplyDeleteIt is very 'pretty,' without being "confusingly-pretty," if that makes sense...
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WOW, it is 'Cantarell'.
DeleteOwls would be nice, but in the current situation, I hope squirrel and squatter's rights prevail.
ReplyDeleteI think the jackdaws may be bringing in reinforcements, Joanne. I saw 7 of them sitting around the woodland today - no sign of Mr Squirrel so far.
DeleteIt’s got to be better than watching television whoever takes up residence. Hope your back is improving...I feel your pain...quite literally! x
ReplyDeleteOh, dear, that doesn't sound good - I hope you are feeling a whole lot better now! I haven't caught sight of either birds or squirrels going into the box recently. I shall continue to monitor things.x
DeleteWhat a wonderful thing to have observed Elaine. I love watching the birds in my garden we don't have owls but I have heard a Tawny calling all Winter, the first I have heard in this village since moving here 17 years ago. It would be amazing if we ended up with a nesting pair nearby.
ReplyDeleteI have my fingers crossed for you. We were really fortunate one year, the Tawnies hatched three young ones and they all fledged. The 'owl men' came along to weigh and measure them, as well as putting rings on to them. It was a wonderful experience for all of us.
DeleteIt is called Owl Wood after all? Owls ...26 all others... nil. Call me specie-ist I don’t care!
ReplyDeleteLX
That would certainly be my first choice too, Lettice. However, if they are no longer interested then i can't blame the others for trying!
DeleteI have Barred Owls that live in the woods across the road from my house. It's lovely to go out at night and hear them calling to each other. Pileated woodpeckers occupy the same patch of woods. Alas, I have never seen either of them. We have lots of crows, chickadees, mourning doves, and cardinals right now at the feeders.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Sheri
Hello Sheri, that all sounds wonderful. I love the music of the night almost as much as I love the bird sounds of the very early mornings. I have never seen cardinals, but I have seen photographs of them (in blog world) and they look most colourful, spectacular birds.
DeleteI hope the owls return, they are among my favorite birds. Wonderful silent hunters who seem peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, Terra.
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