New Year, New Nesting Season:

The Joy and Challenges of Capturing Barn Owl Magic

As the calendar turns another page, so does the cycle of life for our beloved barn owls of El Cerrito. This marks their third year nesting in the cozy confines of our neighborhood owl box. Yet, as with any endeavor, this year has presented its own set of challenges.

The night vision camera, my trusty companion in documenting their nocturnal escapades, seemed to have its own plans, frustratingly refusing to cooperate. But amidst the technical woes, there's a symphony of sounds that fills the air – the unmistakable chirps and screeches of our feathered residents. While some may find it disruptive, I've grown to cherish these nocturnal serenades, a reminder of the vibrant life that thrives in our midst.

Yet, amid this enchantment, there's a solemn reminder echoing through the night. The peril that lurks in our seemingly idyllic surroundings – rodent poison. A silent threat that can snuff out the very lives we hold dear. So, as we embark on another year of marveling at the marvels of nature, let us tread gently and remind one another of the importance of coexistence. Let us pledge to safeguard not just the beauty we behold but also the fragile balance that sustains it.

Here's to another year of marveling at the mysteries of the night, of embracing the challenges, and of nurturing the bond between us and our nocturnal neighbors. Together, let's make this a year of harmony, where the hoots of the barn owls continue to echo through the night, a testament to our shared commitment to protect and preserve.

Not my video, but a reminder of their sounds