The Sleeping Owl Awakes: Western Screech Owl at Enslen Park

Now that I know where it hangs out, it takes no time at all to check on the little Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii) when I am running errands in town. I drove by today, and it was still in the same hollow, but this time it was awake.

I am struck by how well this little owl is camouflaged. I walked right by the tree the first time I was looking for the owl. I only barely saw it on the second try, and then only after having seen pictures showing the size and species of tree.