Screech owlet and blanketflower meadow
One of the screech owlets — we think there are two — boldly hangs out on his front stoop each afternoon, getting an eyeful of this great big world.
We keep a pair of binoculars on the kitchen table so we can watch him more closely whenever he appears. I shot these pictures through the French doors so as not to disturb him by walking out on the deck.
I wonder how much longer he’ll stay in the box?
Also spotted yesterday was this meadow of blanketflowers (Gaillardia pulchella), practically thrumming with color under the noonday sun.
Coming back from Round Rock, north of Austin, I’d stopped by Green ‘n Growing nursery to look for concrete pavers (didn’t find any) and was delighted to see they’d seeded a long strip of their property along the parking lot with native wildflowers.
I wonder if these have succeeded a swath of bluebonnets?
A few purple verbena were in there too, although overwhelmed by the blanketflower.
Some native monarda as well
The brought a smile to my face, and to yours too, I hope. Have a great weekend!
All material © 2006-2014 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
I just love seeing those owls. Such fun! That meadow is spectacular! The only thing I can think of that could compare in the Pacific Northwest is the Indian paintbrush (Castilleja spp.) in the high meadows around the mountains, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen them as thick as that Gaillardia. What a sight!
We have an Indian paintbrush here too, which blooms earlier in the spring, with the bluebonnets. I’d like to see yours someday! —Pam
How can you not smile when you look at a whole field of blanketflowers or an adorable owlet! This wildflower has become a favorite of mine, it is so enduring and cheerful. I failed at an attempt at growing nursery bought Gaillardia, I think I need to try again. Thanks for sharing!
I think you should, Heidi. It is a very cheerful flower. —Pam
An owlet! Never realized you could “house” them intentionally. How VERY special to be able to observe them…
And oh, those fields of flowers! Beautiful.
You bet, Rebecca. Screech owls readily nest in boxes. You can read more about it on the Audubon website. —Pam
These pictures brought a smile to MY face! I love your blog since I am in TX also and it makes me want to jump in my car and go see these places for myself as well! Thanks for the sweet start to my morning!
You are welcome, Shelley! I’m glad to know you enjoyed the pics. 🙂 —Pam
Wow! I’ve never seen Gaillardia in a mass like that. Incredible!
Lots of hot color — it was a lovely sight. —Pam
As opposed to the parents, this little owl looks a lot more engaged in assessing your thoughtfully appointed surroundings. Imagine his/her surprise to leave your yard and discover the large sterile expanses of St. Augustine that prevail in our area. Stay put little one! You’ve got it SO good where you are.
I’m excited to have a seed order on the way that includes blanketflower. I won’t have anything as stunning as this meadow (beautifully photographed in the full sun!) but having to wait to see how and where the seed germinates often results in my treasuring whatever plants I get even more.
The owlets fledged this evening, TexasDeb. I was so lucky to catch the big event. They did test flights in the garden for a while and then headed into the greenbelt. —Pam