We had a lovely visitor on our back fence this morning - a Barred Owl!

[va3dso@mastodon.social]

And THEN... one of our local squirrels (Molty Muldoon) decided to check the owl out... BE CAREFUL!

#Squirrel #Owl #Birding #Nature #Wildlife #Backyard

[va3dso@mastodon.social]

Oh, it got weirder. I feel like my backyard squirrels have never seen an owl before!

#Nature #Wildlife #Backyard

[va3dso@mastodon.social]

My wife says this is actually normal squirrel behaviour and that they are mobbing the owl and trying to intimidate it. As it is an ambush predator, the squirrels know they are unlikely to be attacked in this scenario. How weird is THAT?

[vitskapsdama@pixelfed.social]

@VA3DSO@mastodon.social I was wondering about the owl! It must be infinitely patient to put up like that with the squirrels.

[va3dso@mastodon.social]

@vitskapsdama Yes, according to my wife, he is essentially napping on the fence because he feels safe. He's likely got a full belly from last night - and he is really unbothered by the squirrels or even me or my wife when we go in the backyard.

I've seen that type of behaviour before in our local forests, where we see an owl and it could care less about our presence. He's one cool customer!

[peachfront@toot.community]

@VA3DSO

they look so sweet & innocent when they're snoozing!!!!

[quasit@kolektiva.social]

@VA3DSO
Looks like a bored owl to me. And also a board owl! 🤣

[knowprose@mastodon.social]

@VA3DSO it's exactly as your wife says.

You may see similar behaviors in small birds.

It's a great capture, and says a bit about your yard. Owls are picky.

[budgegeria@mastodon.social]

@VA3DSO Where's the picture of you, taking a picture of your wife, taking a picture of an owl?

[budgegeria@mastodon.social]

@VA3DSO A blob on a fence.

[budgegeria@mastodon.social]

@VA3DSO Those squirrels know stuff.

[bryanredeagle@beige.party]

@VA3DSO I know owls are wise and all, but one that's with a bar association? That's impressive!