Eastern Screech Owl

The Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) is a small, non-migratory nocturnal raptor that has faced population decline in Central Park, New York City, prompting reintroduction efforts by urban park rangers. Despite releasing multiple owls equipped with tracking devices, challenges such as low survival rates, habitat competition, and lack of food led to the majority of the reintroduced owls leaving the area. Recommendations include monitoring male and female populations, enhancing habitat availability, and discontinuing reintroduction research due to low success rates.