[obol] Backyard Northern Pygmy Owl

[John Thomas]

A Northern Pygmy Owl was very vocal in our small woodlot last night from at
least dusk to 11 PM (when I conked out for the evening). The woodlot is a 4
acre patch of former Christmas trees (Doug fir) that has been thinned and is
now to 45 feet.

We have had Barn Owls and Great Horned Owls commonly seen or heard in our
woods many times but have been waiting for years for a smaller owl. In the
hope for a smaller owl, we put out a Screech Owl box over 10 years ago but
it only seems to attract Starlings. But, I thought "one of these years"
either a Saw-Whet or Screech Owl will show. The Northern Pygmy was a
pleasant surprise that I did not particularly expect here on the valley
floor. Possible, yes. Probable? No.

This is a new "yard/woods bird" for us. Our place is in farming country with
our little woodlot area surrounded by grapes, row crops, grass seed near the
edge of the foothills. We once had a "brush line" connecting us right up to
the foothills habitat but it is now cleaned up beyond our property so the
corridor used by many animals to the remnants above us has been broken.

The brush line (with Red Alder trees blown down by ice storms/ windstorms)
and woodlot (mainly blow downs, some thinning at times) are there for
firewood if any local asks us. And that is true, no doubt about that. We
have had many a warm fire in the woodstove from our own place. But
(shhh...secret...) I really think the *main benefit* in our lives is the
**habitat** and the species it brings into our lives - like that little
Pygmy Owl, calling out last night.

Good Birding,
John Thomas
N of Silverton