ctnchpr Yes, sad times indeed but at least you had them at least a week longer than I and some of the rest on here. My first hummer did not arrive in my yard untill april 30 at 9:00pm and my final sighting on oct 6. I cant complain. Such a long winter we have, but take heart you will see them about 1 month before I will.

Not sure about the trying to root now or wait, I have recently posted asking about that also. Another option for you would be to send them to Luc at FL Colors. He will graft them for you. I recently sent him one and got it back with beatiful roots on it. He charges next to nothing plus shipping. Thank goodness you caught the rot. Lauri

We have screech owls who nest in the woods beside the house in our nesting box or in a tree and we treat them like "they aren't there"... LOL as if we didn't spend LOTS of time watching them, esp when the babes fledge. But for the most part, I find whether it's owls, wrens, or something in between, just go about your normal routines and they will adapt accordingly (moving further away from the yard if that's their choice). I'd keep the cat inside "just in case" but don't think the kids will have any problems. Nice pic and aren't you lucky. We feel blessed when the larger owls come into the yard.

It's so thrilling to read the above post that what I've been hearing (and caught a glimpse of on that one lucky occasion) may be a Great Horned owl!!! It reminds me of my visit to Yellowstone Nat'l Park back in 2001, when I heard the howling of a pack of wolves where it sent chills up my spine. Not only was it chilling hearing them, but to actually witness them in Lamar Valley. I never imagined I'd ever be so lucky hearing the call of the wild in my own backyard, though -- that of a Great Horned owl! Now, everytime I hear the "Hoo-Hoo-Hoo, Hoo-Hoo", I have my eyes peeled in the direction of the sounds. So far, haven't been one of the fortunate to see them roosting in the trees. I would've thought that as large as Great Horned owls are, that they'd be much easier to spot than a Red Tailed hawk.