Subject: Western Screech Owls in Spokane




With the assistance of Jim Acton's recording and Warren Hall's moral support, I have located a family of Western Screech Owls again at Corbin Park in lower North Spokane. The amazing thing is that they had their babies a couple months early due to the mild weather. (I assume). I estimate the 4 babies to be 5-6 weeks old because the youngest one can just barely fly. I do not know where their nest was because there are many suitable holes in trees in the area.

This family of 2 adults and 4 babies can be seen in a large fir tree. You can find them (I hope) roosting in a large fir tree next to the sidewalk about 60-80 yds west of Washington St. where it intersects with Waverly Pl. 425 W. Waverly Pl. is the address. It is on the south side of the road. You will see a lot of white splash on the base of the tree and ground. I found the male right over the sidewalk about 15 feet high. I found the babies about 25-30 feet up. 3 were perched next to a squirrel nest. It is possible that they may have nested inside the squirrel nest. I found the larger female on the SW side of the tree about 15 feet high.


Greg and Peggy Lamanna live there don't mind us viewing or photographing the owls. They are very cordial as are the owls. They saw the owls around their home a few years ago also. I have no idea how much longer they will use this tree as a daytime perch. In a few more days the owls may find other roosting spots. At 6:15 pm, the adults began hunting. At approximately 6:30, the young become impatient and fly to the rooftops and outside chimneys while anxiously awaiting food. The female between houses on the same side of the street. The male went to the park where he was easy to photograph from 15 feet to 30 feet up. The only problem was focusing in the dark. So your best bet is to photo them during the daytime. Enjoy Ron Dexter

Ron & Pat Dexter
Spokane, Wa.
Email: (Ronpatdexter at msn.com<mailto:Ronpatdexter at msn.com>)