Squirt, the Screech Owl

Screech owls are one of the smaller owls found in the Central Valley foothills. They enjoy hunting small voles, gophers as well as moths and other flying insects.

Squirt was on just such a hunting mission when he flew in front of a car. The driver was horrified, stopping to see if he could do anything for the owl. He brought Squirt to us, but unfortunately one of his wings was so badly broken it had to be amputated. Squirt lives in an all wooden cage along with his buddy Acorn, another screech owl. There little mew, or cage is in the director's residence so Squirt gets a lot of extra attention. Here he became more comfortable with people. He has become an integral part of our bird of prey program.

Squirt

He readily demonstrates the plaintive mew that is the common call of the screech owl. Why not "moan" owl or "groan" owl, but why "screech" owl? For residents of the Central Valley who frequently hear the scream of barn owls, this is a good question. As for our name "Squirt," he received his name not on the basis of his size but in the unique power he has when he relieves himself, a warning we give to the front row of children during our programs.

Back