The Haute Enchilada in Moss Landing welcomed an unexpected surprise on New Year’s Eve — an early barn owl egg from a new owl couple living in its custom-installed nest box.
Traditionally, barn owls lay their eggs later in January or February, making this event both rare and extraordinary.
Screenshot from the YouTube live feed on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
This egg marks the first clutch for the new pair, affectionately named TJ and Tina, continuing a legacy of barn owls at the Haute Enchilada that began in 2016.
The restaurant partnered with Humane Wildlife Control Inc. to install a barn owl nest box as part of its rodent control program. Since then, the nest box has been not only a cornerstone of eco-friendly pest management but also a symbol of the restaurant’s dedication to sustainable practices.
The original owl residents, Teco and Lotte, captured the hearts of staff and visitors alike, raising numerous owlets until Lotte tragically passed in 2018. Teco found new mates over the years, with each partnership contributing to the thriving owl lineage.
The current pair, TJ (Teco Jr.) and Tina, are the latest chapter in this ongoing story.
Guests can experience this captivating wildlife story firsthand. Haute Enchilada offers diners the unique opportunity to observe the barn owls live in their nest box via a YouTube stream, available in the restaurant. For owl enthusiasts and locals, the nest box provides a safe haven for the owls and a sustainable solution for rodent control.
The Haute Enchilada supports awareness about proper barn owl nest box design. For the safety and comfort of the American barn owl, nest boxes should meet specific size and placement requirements. Learn more about safe nest box design and installation on the restaurant’s website at www.hauteenchilada.com/tecoandlotte or inquire about purchasing a nest box.
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Stay connected with the Haute Enchilada barn owl family through Teco & Lotte on YouTube, which has mor than 2,000 subscribers, or make a reservation at Haute Enchilada online at www.hauteenchilada.com