Western Screech Owl

This week, we had the pleasure of tracking wonder with British Columbia's wildlife photographer Anthony Bucci. Anthony has an amazing talent for tracking and photographing North America's owls and was recently in the southwest to enjoy some of our local birds and owls.  One owl common to our area is the Western Screech-Owl. True to form, Anthony was able to find this nesting owl and create some amazing photos, giving us a glimpse of the little owl you have probably heard without knowing it.

Western Screech-Owls are small, about the size of a football.  Their feathers are brownish-grey, with lots of variation, which help them blend into their woodland or desert environment. They are nocturnal, coming out to hunt small rodents and insects later in the day and evening.

Adult Western Screech-Owls nest almost exclusively in tree and cactus cavities. They tend to remain in their nesting area year round, so there is a chance to see them even after the spring nesting season. This owl is quite common in the desert so several owls may be living in the same area, defending small nesting territories, but sharing a broader home territory.

Get in the habit of glancing at the holes in saguaro cactus plants.  The holes usually appear dark, but when you notice a lighter colored or blocked hole, take a closer look.  It just might be one of our small owls watching you move past their hangout. Listen for the "bouncing ball" call in which the sounds become closer together like the sound of a ball as it bounces closer and closer to the ground before coming to a stop.  Learn to engage all your senses, letting them pick up on the subtleties that will lead you to pure wonder.

References and Resources
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Owl Pages
Anthony Bucci Facebook
Anthony Bucci Flickr
Anthony Bucci National Geographic

Image: Sharon Pegany

As a side note, the Western Screech-Owl looks just like the Whiskered Screech-Owl, except for the color of their beaks.  The Western Screech-Owl has a black beak with a tiny bit of ivory on the very tip, whereas the Whiskered Screech-Owl's beak is completely ivory colored. Both can be found in Arizona, although the Whiskered Screech-Owl is not as common.

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