A tiny rescued screech owl at Sweetbriar Nature Center (SNC) has taken the matter of finding a nest very seriously and much to the confusion and delight of staff, he’s decided that a grocery bag is the perfect spot.
The wildlife rehabilitation and conservation center in Smithtown, New York, found their feathered resident in the peculiar spot and shared, “Newton has starting looking for a nest site-a reusable grocery bag could work I suppose???”
When a staff member peeked inside, Newton was hard at work but took a moment to glance back with an expression that seemed to say, “What do you want? I’m busy.”
SNC posted the video to their Facebook page and wrote, “Owls are not elaborate nest builders, and instead of flying back and forth with lots of twigs to painstakingly assemble a nest, they’ll seek out open cavities in trees or large cactus plants. A cozy nook that provides adequate protection from predators and the elements is all they need.”
The continued, “Being opportunists, owls won’t hesitate to move into abandoned bird nests as well. The perfect cozy outdoor tree nest for an owl is one built by large birds such as crows, hawks and great blue herons. These nests are just the right size to lay eggs and comfortably nurture two or more babies once hatched.”
It appears that a shopping bag suits Newton just fine. “We find him snuggled in his favorite bag every morning,” SNC wrote. The staff usually know where Newton is, but when he goes into stealth mode and disappears they just open their ears. Newton has the adorable habit of chirping when he’s in his “nest.”
“Where’s Newton? Just follow the sound…” SNC wrote on Facebook. “Year after year, he tries to lure humans into his little home by making adorable chirping noises.”
Newton has a few nest boxes to choose from but his shopping bag seems to be his favorite. But he does have other nooks that he likes, like the jackets of his caregivers. “Newton has found a fun, safe place to hang,” SNC wrote on Facebook. “He’s always exploring new cavities.”
The chirps that Newton makes are so interesting. SNC explains that each owl species has its own unique calls, sometimes even more than one.
They shared a video of the “fascinating sounds that Newton, our ambassador Eastern Screech-Owl will try and demonstrate.”
According to SNC,” Eastern Screech-Owls have two main calls: A descending, almost horse-like whinny, which they use to defend their territories or an extended trill on a single pitch, which is used to attract mates and stay in touch with family members. (This is what you are hearing in this video)
They add, “While these little owls are common and thrive in suburban neighborhoods, it’s important to note that they are declining in some parts of their range. You can listen for their distinctive calls almost anywhere in the U.S. east of the Rockies! Tune in and appreciate the beautiful sounds of nature!”
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