The North Woods Screech-Owls seem to have settled down again after all of the storm clean up activity.  For about a week they seemed to be all over the place, but now that tree trimming equipment isn’t parked next to their old roost, they’ve returned to their favorite tree.

Keeping track of them has been frustrating.  Some nights we don’t hear them and on others they’re very vocal.  Most nights we don’t see them, but on some we can watch them fly for blocks. I can’t wait for the late fall, when the leaves will drop and they’ll be easier to find.

Tonight, we heard both of the North Woods Eastern Screech-Owls loud and clear.  The female called loudly and the male answered.  It was great have confirmation that they had both survived the storm.

I took some more pictures of the storm damage.  Although lots of trees were lost, luckily they were scattered throughout the North Woods.  Once the damaged trees are removed the park will not look too scarred.

Doug Blonsky, the President of the Central Park Conservancy has issued an appeal for funds to help with the clean up.  Details are on Marie Winn’s blog.

I’ve been busy with work since getting back from Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, and haven’t done much birding in the last two weeks.

Today, I spend an hour in the North Woods.  It was just the right amount of time in the heat.  The wildflower meadow was quiet, without a fall migrant in sight.  The same for The Loch, lots of American Robins and Gray Catbirds, but nothing unusual.

So, the highlight of the day was a photogenic Monarch Butterfly and the North Wood’s Red-phased Eastern Screech-Owl.

The North Woods Eastern Screech-Owl pair was briefly seen last night.  Both owls look great. 

While we were watching them a photographer with a flashlight and high-powered flash was also in the North Woods looking for owls.  I must recommend to anyone who wants to study owls in the North Woods, that this is not an effective approach to finding them or photographing them.

To watch owls in Central Park and really get to know them, and you have to be as non-intrusive as possible.  If you’re quiet, keep your distance, move slowly, photograph without flash and take the time to learn their habits, these owls will share their lives with you.

Five Eastern Screech-Owl were released in Central Park by the wildlife rehabilitor, Bobby Horvath and his family on Saturday. 

The Red-phased owl Bobby released last year is doing very well in the North Woods, so Bobby was comfortable releasing more owls into Central Park.  Central Park may have its risks, but it lacks Great-Horned Owls which are becoming a major predator of Eastern Screech-Owls on Long Island where Bobby lives.

Two adult Red-phased owls were released and three young Gray-phased owls.  Thanks for your loving gift to the park, Cathy and Bobby.

The first pictures are right after the release.  The later pictures are of one of the gray owls after dark (long exposures without flash).