OWLS

Eleven species of owls have been observed in the Conejo Valley. These night-time raptors can be seen or heard in the evenings perched high above homes. The four owls that are most commonly seen in our area are the screech owl, the barn owl, the burrowing owl, and the largest of all, the great horned owl.

In this newsletter we will look at some of the similarities these owls have with each other and a few characteristics that make them unique.

Western Screech Owls

Great Horned Owls

Despite its name, this little owl does not screech, but gives little hoots. It is very common but stays hidden with its camouflage in the trees it calls home. It feeds on large insects and small mammals.

This is the largest and most aggressive of owls in our area. It's known for its "who who who" calls. This owl begins nesting in winter so you may hear them calling to a mate up in a high tree in your neighborhood at this time of year.

Burrowing Owls

Barn
Owl

Cowboys referred to these little birds as "howdy birds" because they seemed to nod their head when they emerged from their burrows. They live in the ground and sometimes can be spotted in Wildwood at dusk. They usually hunt from the air or run along the ground.

When you hear a shriek in the evenings, it is more than likely a barn owl. It preys mostly on rats and other small rodents making a great case to have an owl box in or near your yard. It does not make nests well so it looks for boxes, or nooks to commandeer as its own.

To hear the calls or find out more details about these owls visit:
https://www.audubon.org/search_results?search=owls

Owl Calls

Most owls are nocturnal, and they use their voices to establish territories and attract mates in the dark. Several species begin nesting as early as midwinter, which is one reason why you can often hear them in fall and winter, when most other birds are quiet.

For more information and to hear the call of a barn owl, visit:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/barn_owl

Owl Super Senses

Watch this video for details about owls' super senses. Please note, there are some images of the owl hunting and eating its prey.

Benefits of an Owl Box

Installing an owl box can serve many purposes. First, you are providing a home for a creature who is losing much of its habitat to urban buildings. Second, you can eliminate pests in your neighborhood because owls are known for preying on unwanted creatures like rats and mice. Lastly, you can install a webcam in your owl box and have the opportunity to observe and learn more about the behaviors of these incredible creatures.

Owl boxes can be purchased online.
DIY plans to make your own can be found online as well. Here blogpost if you are insterested in more information about owl boxes:

https://www.thespruce.com/barn-owl-boxes-nesting-owls-386640

Jokes that are a hoot!

Q: What is a barn owl’s favorite subject at school?
A: Owlgebra!

Q: What does an owl do his math with?
A: An owlculater.

Owl Science

Owls are birds of prey. That means that they hunt the animals that they eat. After an owl eats the small rodents, birds, and bugs that are a part of its nightly diet, its stomach cannot digest the fur, bones, teeth, feathers, and insect shells from that food. These “extra” parts are formed into a tight PELLET inside the owl and are later SPIT UP by the owl.

Pellets are usually about as big as an adult thumb and they are often dissected by students and scientists to help them learn exactly what owls eat and what kinds of small animals and bugs live in a particular area. If you are interested in dissecting an owl pellet, there are several places online where you can purchase sterilized owl pellet dissection kits. Home Science Tools is one place our family has ordered pellets from and the informative brochure makes this activity very interesting.

https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/owl-pellet-dissection-kit/

Build a LEGO Owl

Do you enjoy building with LEGOS? Check out this fun tutorial that teaches you how to create an owl with a head that turns and wings that flap.
Read the blog post here:
https://frugalfun4boys.com/lego-owl-building-instructions/

ARE YOU AN EDUCATOR?
If you would like this information in a format you can distribute to your class, let's chat! Email Christina at naturekidsactivities@gmail.com

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