Written by Erin Canter, Manager of Science Literacy and Research at Tremont
On my way into work this morning, I noticed a tiny feathered body in the road before the Townsend Wye. I immediately recognized it as an Eastern Screech Owl for two reasons.
First was the rounder shape and reddish (rufous) coloring, as well as the small, squat size of the body. The second reason is that, because of the way they hunt, cars are a particular threat to owls and other birds that forage (search for food) on or near the ground. Unlike some birds of prey who may dive down directly to catch a meal, owls often swoop down to catch their prey. If that prey is on the roadside, they may find themselves swooping at car level as a vehicle passes, resulting in a fatal collision. Screech owls have been noted to have a particular behavior of dropping down, flying straight, and then climbing back up in a U pattern that could put them in the way of traffic.
The screech owl looked very similar to the one pictured here, but was unfortunately recently killed by a car collision. Our tiniest owl species, the bird was fully grown at only about 6 inches tall.
If you have ever heard a screeching noise at night… you likely did NOT hear a screech owl! They actually sound like magical little forest ponies whinnying in the trees (click the first recording on that page). They create a haunting soundscape year-round, as they remain in our forests even in the winter months.
So how can you help prevent fatalities for these charming owl friends? Two ways!
- On warmer rainy nights, in particular, please drive very slowly, especially within park boundaries. Amphibians are on the move! All kinds of salamanders, frogs, and snakes are forced to cross our roadways to get to food, breeding areas, or necessary habitats. Driving slowly helps save some of our cherished amphibians AND the little owls that eat them.
- Never throw food out your car window. Even though it may be biodegradable, like an apple core, food attracts little critters like mice or rats, which in turn attract owls and other birds of prey who are then at risk of getting killed by swooping in front of a car.
While the screech owl I spotted had an unfortunate early demise, I hope it can serve as a reminder of our role in and impact on our ecosystem. Drive carefully, leave no trace, and keep your eyes and ears open for this precious critter.
Cover photo by Natuur12. Additional photo by The Travels of Tug 44.
