Crowded House: 3 juvenile Eastern Screech Owls in one nest

It’s been fun traveling around the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge this month looking for little Eastern Screech-Owls and their offspring. It’s sort of like a treasure hunt – and I found a big prize on Friday night.

While waiting for sunset at a spot where I had seen a screech-owl before, another photographer pointed out a parent owl deep in the brush. It was tough to see but I did get a photograph. We all stood by, hoping a baby would show itself from the nest in a nearby dead palm.

Finally, a little one poked its head out of its home. To my surprise, it then climbed up out of its nest, perching on the palm and showing its full body for a while. This little owl seemed amazed at the world around it – even appearing to enjoy the gorgeous sunset it was facing.

After taking tons of photos, and as the light was quickly fading, I started to walk away to go home. Then something quite unexpected happened.

A second owl poked its head up in the nest to join its sibling. A few minutes later, as if the night couldn’t get any better, a third owlet also rose from the nest. Yes, three little Eastern Screech-Owls in one very small nest.

It’s one of the best experiences I have had during my two-and-half years of birding.