I usually spend countless hours in the woods looking for wildlife, but a few weeks back I was alerted to an Eastern screech owl hanging out in a chimney by Marblehead’s own, Bette Hunt, also town historian emeritus. It was in such a wonderful and unique setting, but a fair distance off. Much thanks to Bette.
Eastern screech owls are small owls native to the eastern United States, according to MassWildlife. They are well-adapted to living in close proximity to humans and are often found nesting and roosting in urban and suburban areas.
One reason an Eastern screech owl might choose a chimney in Marblehead as a nesting or roosting site is the protection and shelter it provides. Chimneys offer a secure, elevated location shielded from the elements and potential predators. The narrow confines mimic the natural tree cavities screech owls often utilize in the wild.
Urban and suburban areas like Marblehead tend to have an ample supply of prey such as small rodents, birds and large insects that screech owls hunt, often at night. Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn can attract the owls. Having access to prey in close proximity to their roost is advantageous.
The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer Rick Cuzner. For the past 16 years, he has taken thousands of nature photographs.
