Screechy must die
Jul/04/11 Filed in: Nature
My family has a close relationship with the animals that live around our house. In fact, the entire reason we chose our house was because we had grown accustomed to living near a wooded area, and we were determined to always have a forest somewhere nearby. Not trees, not a suburban copse, but a proper forest. In the time we have lived here, we have had some experiences that re-enforced mine and my wife's love of Nature, and given our sons a special bond with the world around them that is surprisingly strong. We especially enjoy the diversity of birds. From the Bald Eagles, Falcons, and other raptors to the Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, and Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Chicagoland has a diverse population of avifauna that we have been lucky to interact with.
Take Nemo, a baby Wood Duck who showed up in our yard. Ethan found him, and the boys and Linda took great care of him. Nemo imprinted on Linda and followed her around, cheeping unless he could see her. We took him to a shelter, where Linda ended up volunteering, and Nemo grew up to be an amazing adult Wood Duck.
And there was Mr. Brown Owl. Linda thought he was a cat when she first saw him on our doorstep, but he turned out to be a Great Horned Owl with a broken wing. We called for help, and I watched over the owl for half a day to make sure he did not run off and that he was safe until help arrived. Help came, and let me assure you that a Great Horned Owl is a formidable bird even with a broken wing. I was equally impressed and surprised that the woman we called to help him managed to capture him without injuring either herself or the bird.
I trust my point is clear, and I don't even need to get into our local turtle rescue program.
But now I find myself full of conflicting feelings. A Screech Owl has taken residence in our back yard. If you have never enjoyed the company of a Screech Owl, I can assure you they are appropriately named. We called ours "Screechy." He screeches incessantly all night. Every night. For the first night it was cute. The second night it was a little annoying. After two weeks of no sleep, I am close to a psychotic episode. I even thought of trying to keep the owl up during the day or persuading it to move by shooting fireworks into the forest during the day. Let's see how it enjoys a sleepless sleep cycle, yes? Unfortunately fireworks are illegal in Illinois. Also it did not work.
And then I see Screechy taunting me from a branch with something hanging from his mouth. I am convinced he left me this on my front door:
Why, oh Nature? Why have you beseeched me? My research of the sound indicated that Screechy was hungry, and calling for his mother. He seemed a bit large to be calling for Mommy, but I still call mine under distress, so I'll accept that. Linda's research, which by the way she had plenty of time to do as she moved from place to place in the house looking for somewhere to hide from the sound and get some sleep, indicated Screechy is calling out because he senses a predator. Hear me, Screechy, there is a predator. Me. You are indeed in mortal danger. And it won't come from West Nile, a Fox, or another owl, it will be copper-plated and come from my patio door at 1,500 ft/sec.
Take Nemo, a baby Wood Duck who showed up in our yard. Ethan found him, and the boys and Linda took great care of him. Nemo imprinted on Linda and followed her around, cheeping unless he could see her. We took him to a shelter, where Linda ended up volunteering, and Nemo grew up to be an amazing adult Wood Duck.
  Nemo’s temporary home |
 Now what? |
 Devin Holding Lost Wood Duck ("Nemo") |
 Adult Wood Duck |
And there was Mr. Brown Owl. Linda thought he was a cat when she first saw him on our doorstep, but he turned out to be a Great Horned Owl with a broken wing. We called for help, and I watched over the owl for half a day to make sure he did not run off and that he was safe until help arrived. Help came, and let me assure you that a Great Horned Owl is a formidable bird even with a broken wing. I was equally impressed and surprised that the woman we called to help him managed to capture him without injuring either herself or the bird.
I trust my point is clear, and I don't even need to get into our local turtle rescue program.
 Great Horned Owl |
 Stop starring at me |
 Devin with Speedy |
 Speedy’s release |
But now I find myself full of conflicting feelings. A Screech Owl has taken residence in our back yard. If you have never enjoyed the company of a Screech Owl, I can assure you they are appropriately named. We called ours "Screechy." He screeches incessantly all night. Every night. For the first night it was cute. The second night it was a little annoying. After two weeks of no sleep, I am close to a psychotic episode. I even thought of trying to keep the owl up during the day or persuading it to move by shooting fireworks into the forest during the day. Let's see how it enjoys a sleepless sleep cycle, yes? Unfortunately fireworks are illegal in Illinois. Also it did not work.
And then I see Screechy taunting me from a branch with something hanging from his mouth. I am convinced he left me this on my front door:
 Talon |
 Talon |
 Talon |
 Wing |
 Wing |
 Wing |
 Wing and feathers |
 Talon |
 Regurgitated something |
Why, oh Nature? Why have you beseeched me? My research of the sound indicated that Screechy was hungry, and calling for his mother. He seemed a bit large to be calling for Mommy, but I still call mine under distress, so I'll accept that. Linda's research, which by the way she had plenty of time to do as she moved from place to place in the house looking for somewhere to hide from the sound and get some sleep, indicated Screechy is calling out because he senses a predator. Hear me, Screechy, there is a predator. Me. You are indeed in mortal danger. And it won't come from West Nile, a Fox, or another owl, it will be copper-plated and come from my patio door at 1,500 ft/sec.
