This Molting Screech Owl is Ugly-Cute

She has the same look as a hungover menopausal woman who just found out they cancelled Grace and Frankie.

She's not any of these things of course, because she's not a woman, she's an owl. And perhaps not even a she. It's best not to assume anything at this point and instead politely ask their preferred pronouns.

Just not now because molting owls aren't especially conversational.

Molting in August is what one does if they're an Eastern Screech Owl. Old ragged feathers are replaced with fluffy new ones during this time. The process is regulated by a change in hormones making them uncomfortable, exhausted and understandably edgy.

You wouldn't want to mention that they're looking rough or not as decorative as you'd like at this point. That kind of talk will result in having your windpipe removed with the flick of a talon.

Yes. They're menopauseowl.

Their hormones are out of whack and for every feather that falls out, a very sharp pin feather pokes through the skin to replace it. You can see the bare skin with pin feathers poking through around their eyes and above their beak.

The molting process usually happens for them at the end of summer so the bird has time to get rid of its ratty old feathers and grow brand new ones to keep it warm and safe throughout the winter.

Please enjoy as they yawn and drop out of sight below.

Today the red owl is gone, replaced with the grey owl. I never know which owl, if any, is going to be there in the morning. What I do know is to never remark on their appearance. No matter how ugly-cute.