Roosting Western Screech Owl
by Bryce W. Robinson
A few days ago I was birding a wooded area along the Boise River, following a rowdy mixed flock of both Kinglet species, Black-capped Chickadees, and Brown Creeper. I’ve been developing a fascination with mixed flock behavior as the season falls into winter, and so I was taking the opportunity to watch the birds and listen to their communication. They were rolling through the area at an impressive rate, which struck me as odd. They seemed to be on the move, for one reason or another. As I followed, the flock hesitated at the edge of the thickets, so I was able to assess the composition and pay closer attention to the individuals. In doing so, my eyes settled on a feathered branch end, sticking up amidst the yellow leaves. A roosting Western Screech Owl, a treat.
ornithologi.com 
Yes, always a welcome find! A couple of years ago I rebuilt a very old nest box found on Antelope Island and stuck in a tall conifer in my back yard. It’s more yard art than actual nest box as it never gets used. Several weeks ago in the middle of the day a group of scrub jays was mobbing the box. They would take turns poking their heads in the cavity, then screeching and flying away. Curious, I stuck a Gopro on a pole and had a look- a little western screech was tucked in a corner, day roosting inside the box 🙂
Nice! Gopros sure are handy for that type of thing. Share some video next time you find one in your box!