This Western Screech Owl has taken up residence on my back ramada (porch to the snowbirds) much to the consternation of a female Mourning Dove, which had built its nest of sticks on top of the Saguaro "boot."
The boot (usually found inside a Saguaro Cactus) is the owl's preferred nesting site, and she had no trouble driving off the Mourning Dove.
The owl was minding her own business, napping in the opening of the boot, when the hummingbird found her and began to complain.
Mama hummingbird must have a nest somewhere close by, and recognized the owl as a predator.
She's a brave one, getting right up in the owl's face and chittering like crazy. The owl was unfazed by the attack, choosing instead to pose for my camera.
Later in the day, my Darlin' said she saw two Cactus Wrens mobbing the Screech Owl. They are bigger, and a lot noisier, but no more effective at driving off the owl than was the hummingbird.
Nestled in the Tucson Mountains west of town, our little community--Tucson Estates II--is a regular Sonoran Desert wildlife preserve.
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
Think of me as your local expert.
