Eastern Screech-Owl, red morph? (1 Viewer)

Hello,

My neighbor has an assortment of wood duck boxes on their property...
seems like one of the local owls had decided to take up residence in one
them! I don't know if this is the same pair that nested here in previous
years.

The box is located about 20' from their backyard deck.

From a bird identification book, I'm guessing this is an Eastern Screech-Owl
(otus asio) - red morph.

I don't know very much about owls... is this the male, guarding the nest?
Is the female already inside to the box?

Good identification guess - I agree.

I suppose it is the female. I have not heard of "guardian males", but eg. Aegolius funereus here in Europe is curious, and always comes to watch who's there, when she hears noise outside its hole.