BREAKING NEWS!! A new pair of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls has taken up residence in the backyard of The INN at El Canelo!!
History:
Several years ago, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl expert Glenn Proudfoot estimated that El Canelo Ranch is home to approximately 50 pairs of FPOs. Avid birders know that El Canelo Ranch’s claim to birding fame has been our pair of yardbird Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls. Thousands of folks from around the globe have been treated to their first glimpse of the FPO in the backyard of the Inn at El Canelo.
Problem:
After 9 years of having a pair of FPOs continuously live in our backyard, almost 3 years ago our owls suffered a disaster when a Cooper’s Hawk killed the male of the pair. The surviving female found a new mate, but after trying to establish themselves in our yard, they decided that it was not safe enough since there were still Cooper’s Hawks about.
Remedy:
This fall we erected six nest boxes in our yard in hopes of attracting a new pair well before the next nesting season. Since the beginning of December 2007 we have been hearing both a male and a female FPO calling in the yard. YAY! Beginning with Christmas Day, when we were treated to the sight of the male perched in the soapberry tree over our yard water feature, we have continued to see both of them in various trees in the yard, which, of course, indicates that they are setting up their territory in our yard.
