Just back from vacation, I went up to The Pool to see how the female Eastern Screech-Owl was doing.  She’s doing just fine but it’s clear she’s a widow now.

Tonight, as she left the cavity, it looked like she was banded.  I haven’t seen a clear look at a band this season, so this was a surprise.

After fly out she went to a tree to the west of the cavity, rather than east, and then ended up going across the ice to Sweetgums on the north shore of The Pool.  She then went up to the Great Hill and out of sight.

Tonight, the female was vocal again.  She called after fly out and again about twenty to thirty minutes later.  If she keeps being vocal, it will certainly make owl watching easier. 

We got disturbed by a helicopter, which appeared to be looking for the coyote, just after fly out.

(I’m away for two weeks, so don’t expect any updates until mid-February.)

Our Gray Girl was back near the Black Locust tonight.  I arrived after fly out, but I suspect she’s using the cavity in the Locust.

She was quickly on the move so I only got one picture.  She ended up going across The Pool, then I lost her.  It was nice to see her again.

Tonight, there was still no sign of the female.  Since she's being so quiet, we could easily have missed her.  But I can't help wonder if she's going to be wandering throughout a larger area of the park soon.  She must be looking for a mate.

After looking at the female try out alternative cavities last night, like a lady at a shoe store, too small, too big, etc, were weren't surprised when we didn't find her tonight.  I suspect she's found a nice tight cavity to stay warm in.

It is the first night in many weeks, I haven't been able to see an owl in the North Woods.  It was strange. While for now, I'm sure we've just lost track of our now silent owl, it did seem to foreshadow a time when we won't have any Eastern Screech-Owls in the park.

Tonight, the female was very active before fly out.  She really perked up when a Downy Woodpecker was in the area.  She was very puffed up due to the cold weather.  She looked like a round cotton puff.

After fly out she casually made her way to The Loch, and explored cavities on the way.  In other areas of the park, we’ve seen owls find tight small cavities to stay warm in during cold stretches.  She might be looking for one to use on these very cold nights.