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Q: I saw a very small owl in my back yard. It was broad daylight! I thought owls only came out at night. I can't imagine what he was doing there.
A: Lucky you! The owl was most likely a Northern Pygmy owl. They are an uncommon species in the Okanagan, not seen every day. They do reside here year round and nest here too. The Pygmy owl is one of the few owls that hunt during the day. Peak hunting times are at dawn and dusk. A favorite meal includes small rodents and small birds. When we have a lot of snow, owls and birds of prey visit our backyards more frequently looking for an easy snack. Did you notice his extra set of eyes on the back of his head? It is really just the design of his feathers, but sure to help keep predators alert to his presence. When it comes time to nest, watch for these little owls in woodpecker boxes, or natural cavities in trees that the woodpeckers have used. What a treat if they choose to nest nearby. Enjoy this special backyard visitor.
Q: My husband built a birdhouse with a hole that is an inch and a half. What kind of bird will use it?
A: You can expect Swallows, Wrens, Chickadees or Bluebirds. Watch for Sparrows in early spring trying to move in before the others get a chance. Putting a clothes peg over the hole will deter them until the other more desirable species have arrived. Nothing against Sparrows, but they can nest almost anywhere, whereas most songbirds are very specific about the sizes of their homes. The Sparrow population continues to rise because of this, as the difficulty grows for songbirds to find suitable homes. If you do get a Sparrow building in one of your nest boxes, don't hesitate to remove the nest before eggs are laid. Sparrows are very determined and may try to rebuild the very next day.
Useful nesting hints:
· Always clean out boxes after each brood has fledged
· Mount houses away from the wind
· Keep houses in quiet areas of your yard, away from feeders
· I recommend using a predator guard on all nest boxes
· Offer nesting material |
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