Naturalist Notes- You Make My Head Spin!

Hey Valentine! You make my head spin!

The Eastern screech is one of Ohio’s most common owls. Heavily reliant on nesting cavities, any habitat with plenty of trees is likely to contain one of these inconspicuous owls. Around this time of year, late February, many screech owls form monogamous pairs, and begin nesting.

These owls have quite an elaborate courtship ritual; the male will approach the female, trilling closer and closer from different branches. He then performs a series of displays to further draw her attention, including body bobbing, head swiveling, and slowly winking. If the pairing is successful the two may remain together for life. Happy Valentines Day!