Scops owls

[harryabbott]

 Last night coming at dusk a number of  Scops owls were calling back and forward to each other, this seemed to me a little unusual as by now they have long since paired up and mated. . One bird seemed very close by so I just stood still hidden partially by an oleander bush and low and behold a Scops came and perched on the vine trellace below me. It was only about 12 feet away! This bird seemed small even for a Scops and landed on the trellace a little clumsily which makes me wonder was this a recently fledged family that I was hearing and were these calls (which were the same "peeps" we hear when they first arrive and are pairing up) now being used to allow them to keep contact with each other.
Anybody care to add to my speculation?
Harry.

[Peter]

Hi Harry,

It seems entirely likely that the bird you saw and the contact notes being used were young. The adult birds tend to remain quiet until the young are independant, whereas the young, like most owls, are very vocal and eager to remain in contact with their family (of course calling for food too).

Hope this is helpful.

Peter

[harryabbott]

Thanks for that Peter.
Saw two this evening again , they are curious enough to investigate me making  "peeping" noises but they quickly realise and move away. One sat beautifully on a bare branch above me for about 20 seconds but the other saw me immediately and just did a fly past without landing.
Unfortunately they are always just stirring  in the fast fading evening light i.e. almost dark and only get silouetted views but better than nothing I suppose.
Harry

[Peter]

You are welcome Harry. A slow and gentle search should yield the roosting birds, so worthwhile to check the area. They normally park themselves close to the main trunk of trees and/or scrub sp.

Be good to get a decent photograph for ABS gallery. 

Peter