Herchal and Wyle, the late, late night owls can usually be seen together every winter in the area just south of Muleshoe, Texas which is also popular with vacationing sand hill cranes from Siberia. Wyle actually was hatched nearby in an abandoned prairie dog den, which has been in his family for generations. This underground living is understandable since Wile is three-quarters Burrowing Owl. His grandfather on his mother's side was a full blood Barn Owl but this never bothered Wyle much. The only difference between him and his Burrowing Owl relatives is that Wyle is a little taller; and, unlike other Burrowing Owls, he hunts more at night.
Herchal, although a bit skinny for his species, is a Great Horned Owl and is a product of the North. His parents were married in Mexico but returned in time for Herchal to be hatched in an abandoned heron's nest during a January blizzard. Herchal still loves snow sports and always returns to his home long before the Canadian snows have thawed. Several times he has tried to induce Wyle to fly north with him, but Wyle always politely refuses. Wyle's only comment is that Texas summers aren't so bad if you live in a hole. Even though Herchal spends his summers in Canada, he eagerly looks forward to winters in Texas and his nightly hunts with Wyle. It is unusual for a Canadian and a Texan to work this well together, but Herchal and Wyle are a real team.
When on a mouse hunt, Herchal takes to the air because of his greater wing pan and stronger flight. Wyle stays on the ground and, thanks to his strong Barn Owl legs, chases the pursued mouse until Herchal swoops in for the coup de grace. They always share these winter meals together under the Texas stars; and often, after their crops are full, they spin into Muleshoe where they enjoy practicing various hoots, much to the chagrin to the citizens of Muleshoe. Don't look for the two in the summertime, but if you should be lucky enough to spend a winter night in Muleshoe, Texas, be sure to listen for Herchal and Wyle, the late, late night owls. You'll make their day.