May 2, 2018 – West Bend, WI – It looks like someone gives a ‘hoot’ about the old Lithia Brewery in West Bend as a mother owl and her baby are nesting in what looks like an old vent in the side of the building on Franklin Street.
Ric Koch moved into Rivershores recently and was out on his bike when he spotted the trail of dung on the side of the building. Next he saw the baby owl. While we were filming the mother owl flew the coop. (what are the chances?)
Below the nesting site is a rather graphic collection of last night’s dinner. Koch said owls will take in food and then yack up hair and bones and what not; a lot of that is in a small grassy area right under the nest. (you have been warned)
Property Restoration Professionals came on scene and managed a couple photos of the baby owl and Greg Lofy from ASP Images captured the mother owl sitting in a tree along the Milwaukee River.
Calls have been placed to Law Lawrann Conservancy to see if someone can identify the species of owl. We’re between a Great Horned Owl and a Burrowing Owl or even a Screech Owl.  ( no Saved By the Bell jokes please).
Chris Schmidt owns the brewery building; he stopped to take a look. The conversation gravitated to what happens when the baby tries its first flight? The nest is about 25 feet off the ground and below is cement. Schmidt, who rents space in the building to the West Bend Dance and Tumbling Troope, suggested he go inside and bring out a couple of tumbling mats to help cushion the fall.
We’ll stay tuned!
