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Description
While out birding a couple days ago, I found the daytime roost of this red phase Eastern Screech Owl. It continued sleeping for the entire time I observed it, opening its eyes just once in response to being mobbed by a few Black-capped Chickadees. At only six to nine inches long, the Eastern Screech Owl is still a force to be reckoned with. They are songbird eating specialists, with the ability to hunt birds as large as Blue Jays in the dead of night. They are absolutely silent flyers, so when/if their prey notices their presence, it's usually far too late. Despite the fact that most people have never actually seen a Screech Owl in the wild, they are extraordinarily abundant.

Concord, Massachusetts

January 5, 2011

Description
While out birding a couple days ago, I found the daytime roost of this red phase Eastern Screech Owl. It continued sleeping for the entire time I observed it, opening its eyes just once in response to being mobbed by a few Black-capped Chickadees. At only six to nine inches long, the Eastern Screech Owl is still a force to be reckoned with. They are songbird eating specialists, with the ability to hunt birds as large as Blue Jays in the dead of night. They are absolutely silent flyers, so when/if their prey notices their presence, it's usually far too late. Despite the fact that most people have never actually seen a Screech Owl in the wild, they are extraordinarily abundant.

Concord, Massachusetts

January 5, 2011