The Barn Owl, the nest, and nature…

Barn Owls breed in Florida and they often nest in hollow tree cavities. This is a story of such a nest. It was a weekend morning excursion, camera in hand and on the lookout for wildlife, when the Barn Owl was noticed. She was standing looking down into the hollowed opening of a palm stump.

It soon became apparent that the Barn Owl was in distress. Her focus was locked on the interior of the hollow stump as her characteristic screeching calls became more and more prominent.

In a moment of despair, she flew away from the tree stump, circling back before perching in a nearby tree.

There were a few moments of calm and silence. Then there was movement at the tree stump and immediately the story became clear. A raccoon had discovered and entered the nest. With the owl away for a few moments, the raccoon made a quick escape.