First “Lifer” of 2024!

January 16, 2024

A few days ago I had the exciting opportunity to visit a Western Screech-Owl on private property in Powell Butte, Oregon. I keep track of the birds I identify by keeping a “Life List”. This Western Screech-Owl is my first entry for 2024!

Western Screech-Owl on a Northern Flicker (Yellow-Shafted)
Powell Butte, Oregon

The homeowners explained the Western Screech-Owl had killed a Northern Flicker two days prior and wasn’t able to fly with it, so the owl drug it to the green house where it feeds on the flicker (and rests on it!) when not roosting in a nearby tree. (This yellow-shafted flicker is a rare bird for our area! The red-shafted is what is common here.)

Western Screech-Owl
Powell Butte, Oregon

I am always thrilled to see an owl, but it’s even more special when it’s a Lifer!

Northern Pygmy-Owl