From Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
As the phone continues to ring and the number of admissions rises, we have admitted an Eastern Screech Owl (Red Phase), bringing our total of current Screech Owls in our care to ten. This owl was found along the road, as these little guys are often hunting in such areas. Eastern Screech Owls are truly amazing; when found, they sometimes appear to be "playing possum."
These owls use a form of torpor, a short-term, energy- saving state with a lower body temperature, to survive cold winter days. While this is not true hibernation, it allows them to conserve energy during cold spells or when food is scarce. They often roost in tree cavities during these times, sometimes sharing these spaces with other owls for warmth. They can enter this torpid state to trick predators into thinking they are dead or so motionless that they blend into the tree or brush around them.
This particular owl, which is being weighed this morning, is exhibiting this behavior. Additionally, Eastern Screech Owls have what are commonly referred to as "horns" on top of their heads. However, these are not actual horns; they are called plumicorns. These feather tufts serve a purpose: they facilitate communication, display, and expression. Plumicorns help disrupt the owl's outline, enabling it to blend into tree bark, branches, or shadows. By altering their smooth silhouette, owls can remain nearly invisible while roosting during the day.
Unfortunately, this Screech Owl suffered an injury when it was clipped by a car, but we are confident it will make a full recovery. Don't let their size and cuteness fool you; these little creatures are tough, resilient, and skilled hunters.
It looks so soft!
Owls are so soft due to the low density of their feathers compared to other birds! I'm trying to get work to collect feathers for a touch station so guests can feel how different they are.
Yes, the Screech Owls dropped quite a pile of them last year, but they are pretty small. One of our Great Horn's longer ones would be nice and probably hold up to some more enthusiastic handling. Even just that and one from one of our hawk or raven guests would be a good comparison. The first place I visited that had a feather demo had a huge condor feather as well, and that was massive and stiff... for a feather. You could swing it like a sword and hear it cut the air.