Finding a Eastern Screech Owl in Hallowed-Out Tree Den

Occurred on November 16, 2022 / Stayner, Ontario, Canada

: I was outside filling up my bird feeders as I normally do about once a week, and checked the hollowed-out section of a large maple tree located near the feeders. I check this hollowed-out den often, always hoping to find a sleeping critter, but mostly finding leftover corn cobs from the many chipmunks and rodents who reside on our farm. This day, I found an Eastern Screech Owl, using this hidden den as a daytime sleeping safe spot. The owl, whom I have named Hootie, we believe has resided on or around our property for at least a few months, as we hear him almost every night. The day the video was filmed, I checked around dusk to see if Hootie had vacated to start his evening, and he had, and shortly after dark, we heard his very unique trills. I have continued to check this tree as well as others daily since finding Hootie, to see if I can see him again, but have not been able to. I am really hoping to see him again, and he is more than welcome to stay, as we greatly appreciate his labors in reducing our rodent population.