Ever wondered what an owl does when nobody’s watching? Me neither. Then an owl moved into my backyard. Now all I do is wonder what he’s doing.
With live cameras installed, I’m discovering his life is far more interesting than I expected.
The owl box—home to Snacks, the Eastern Screech Owl—sits about six feet away and twelve feet up from my kitchen window. He has more friends than I do.
I set up two live cameras on the owl house, expecting light, breezy viewing—like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Turns out, owls are more Hitchcock than Hughes.
There’s action, humor, and some highly questionable life choices happening all day long inside that box.
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And just like that, I’ve become the kind of person who watches an owl like it’s my full-time job. I check in on him first thing in the morning, then multiple times throughout the day—just to make sure he’s still alive and hasn’t taken up vaping.
The cameras have revealed many things—some fascinating, some horrifying, and all of them eye-opening. BIG eyes opening.
You don’t have to wonder—or even leave your couch—to know what an owl does all day.
In the next few days, I’ll be making the live feed public on my website.
Soon, you’ll be able to watch Snacks, live, anytime you want.
Welcome to The Snack Shack.
Getting the popcorn!
This is terrific! Can’t wait to see the feed.
So cool Karen. You must have made them a cozy abode as they are back for another season. What a treat. Look forward to seeing what they (hopefully Mrs Snacks returns) get up to.
Damn it, Karen! I live in D.C. and I have enough to worry about right now! And now I have to worry about an owl?? Like he's MY owl? And also that squirrel? Who is really pushing the edge of neighborliness. I'm afraid to invest in the squirrel.
Sigh.
Okay. My country is being overthrown by oligarchs and dictators, and all I care about this morning is what happened to Snacks.
This is on you.
I too, live in the sad country that is being overthrown by the oligarchs and evil narcissist(s). These owl cams may be what keeps me sane. 🙏
I will be a regular at the Snack Shack! Its must see TV. I have had an owl box for years but no inhabitants. I will try moving it as suggested, when the snow melts and I can get up the hellish ladder with less fear of death. I would also like to import a pair of those beautiful and nervy black squirrels. We only have the boring grey speed bump variety here in New Hampshire.
Thank you, Karen! I look forward to watching the Snack Shack! So cool.
That is one seriously brave or singularly foolish squirrel. I can't wait for the owl cam to come on line.
I second that opinion.
Reckless or desperate squirrel.
Can't wait to see the owl
Spying on the neighbours in the best possible way. LOVE it! A suggested (slightly reworked) musical accompaniment to close:
You take the good
You take the bad
You take them both and there you have
The Snacks of life
OhhhhOhoh Snacks' life!
omg that's brilliant. ~ karen!
OMGoodness - Other Karen, I am going to be singing this all day now!!!
- and I am switching my doom scrolling to Owl stalking, thank you Karen!!
Snacks knows how to handle unexpected visitors. That is a beautiful black squirrel.
Love your Snacks movie. Looking forward to more!
Snack Shack! You're brilliantly hilarious! GREAT footage of your neighbor. Thanks for sharing.
Love the owl updates. Good work on the cameras. Thank you Karen.
Thank you for much for sharing this. This is amazing footage (is it still called that or am ishowing my age?)
I cannot believe that squirrel showed up for a visit unannounced! The nerve of some people.
Hi Robin,
Perhaps the squirrel thought he smelled a rat and was just concerned for Snacks?
That is so cool!
Nature is amazingly awesome.
Thank you for this.
I check in several times each day to your YT live feeds. Great owl-tastic fun.
Hi Randy! I'll be embedding the live video onto my site soon. The best times to watch him are dawn and dusk. Otherwise he just sleeps, but at least he sleeps on the roost on display. Except for the past 3 days - because he's yet again on walkabout. Or flyabout. ~ karen!
That’s too funny. Your last comment about this stuff going on behind your back all your whole life. That’s exactly what I was thinking when the video ended!
Did he take the rat to his secret second wife? Or maybe just take it away from his house and eat it up on a branch? Inquiring minds want to know.
I don't know. My only 2 guesses would be that he was tidying - getting the fur and tail out of the home. OR he was taking the remains to his ladyfriend. He's been gone 3 days in a row now so something is up. ~ karen!