18-Dec-2015
Gray Phase, Alfalfa County, 2015
This post is not so much a trip account as a species report. I’ve photographed this bird in many locations in eastern Oklahoma. This is certainly one of my all-time favorite birds to photograph. What is it? The Eastern Screech-Owl.
05-Dec-2015
Gray Phase, Alfalfa County, 2015
Whichever their primary color, they are patterned with complex streaks and bands that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. They have yellow eyes and a pale bill. They have “ear tufts” of feathers that may be raised or lowered. These tufts are very prominent when raised. Eastern Screech-Owls make a descending whinnying call or a steady trilling.
19-Feb-2016
Gray Phase, Talamena Drive, 2016
Eastern Screech-Owls seem to prefer relatively dense tree habitat. The type of trees may be less important than the presence of trees. They prefer mixed woodlands, deciduous forests, riparian woods along streams, even wooded suburban areas.
20-Feb-2016
Red Phase, Talamena Drive, 2016
These owls are active mostly at night. They prefer to perch in trees and wait for their prey to pass by. Often their perch is 6 to 10 feet above the ground. Some studies have shown that the owls become very familiar with details of features and terrain within their home territory. I can attest to having photographed these birds at the same tree or specific location on multiple occasions.
20-Feb-2016
Red Phase, Talamena Drive, 2016
They may fly out from their perch to catch prey on the wing. Most flights are less than 75 feet or so in distance. They can locate prey by sound as well as by sight.
17-Mar-2018
Gray Phase, Tulsa County, 2018
Eastern Screech-Owls nest in natural hollows in trees or in abandoned woodpecker holes. Nests are commonly about 10 to 30 feet above the ground. While nesting, the female remains on the nest nearly full time while the male brings her food. Once the young fledge, both parents continue to feed them for several weeks.
09-Mar-2024
Red Phase, Creek Co, 2024
At least one study has shown that these owls may bring live Blind Snakes to the nest to live in the nest debris and eat insects. This cohabitation seems to benefit the fledglings. The study shows that young in nests that contained the snakes had a lower mortality rate than young in nests without these snakes.
Screech-owl pairs are normally monogamous and remain together for life. Mated pairs may preen each other’s feathers and call together in a duet.
10-Nov-2016
Red Phase, Cherokee Co, 2016
Eastern Screech-Owls are present through most of Oklahoma year-round. They are not found in the western half to third of the panhandle. My friend and I have photographed them in several locations across eastern and southeastern Oklahoma and westward to Alfalfa County.
They are one of my favorite birds to photograph. Of the two color phases, the red phase is definitely my favorite. They are beautiful birds. Both phases can be very accommodating for photography.
