The owl returns to this white spruce tree every year for more than the view. Notice how closely the needles match the pattern of his breast feathers. The tree trunk also provides excellent camouflage, with the owl blending into the natural cover.
The owl returns to this white spruce tree every year for more than the view. Notice how closely the needles match the pattern of his breast feathers. The tree trunk also provides excellent camouflage, with the owl blending into the natural cover.
Every March, Americans weary of cold weather look to a furry rodent in a Pennsylvania hamlet to tell them if there will be six more weeks of winter or if spring will arrive in six weeks.
Or something like that. Punxsutawney Phil either sees his shadow from the sun or camera flashes. Or he doesn't. No matter, it gives us a pleasant diversion until the next solstice.
Around here, another animal drops by to let me know that spring is on its way.
A pair of great horned owls have lived and nested in our wooded neighborhood along the White River in Indianapolis for a few years now. You may recall that I've written about them before.
They were back again this year, hootin' and hollerin' as always.
We usually notice the male hooting from a white spruce tree less than 50 feet from the bedroom window. There might not be an answer for a few weeks. Before long the female will call back.
That's the way it was again this year.
Mating season for these two usually coincides with the Indianapolis Home Show in February. Then it's nesting time. It takes a little time, but if we really pay attention we can find the pair sharing a tree in February and March. Though usually they're on different branches.
It can take a little more patient bird watching to locate the nest.
The male keeps watch on the nest from his perch atop the white spruce. The perch also provides a nice view of my bird feeder.
You wouldn't think that there would be enough food for owls in a highly populated area, but the big birds get by. When the owls are around, we'll hear a blood-curdling scream in the night from time to time. And we'll notice that the squirrel population gets a little smaller.
And there are days when songbirds just don't come to the bird feeder.
Yeah, it seems like the owls are getting by.
We'll look forward to another hatch this year. And hopefully the adult owls or their offspring will return again next season to do it all over again.
Regardless of where you live, I'll bet you're in contact with some critter that will let you know spring is just around the corner.
If nothing comes to mind, look for ladybugs in your house or apartment. They come inside when it starts to get chilly in the fall and most of them take a nap during the winter.
You might see a few wandering around your house in the winter, but expect to see more of them coming out to play in March and April as the days lengthen and more light streams through the windows.
Enjoy looking for your special indication that it's spring and think about what you'll do once it is really warm outside.
Check out DNR director John Goss' column in this issue for some great outdoor travel destinations at some really great prices. And log on to www.IN.gov/dnr to make your reservations.
And if you like owls, look for the May/June issue of Outdoor Indiana for a great story and beautiful photography of one of nature's most adorable predators.
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Stephen Sellers, editor
