You are very fortunate Archie, to be able to observe an Owl that close. I do hear them occasionally...they hang out at an old quarry near where I live..but they don't venture down near our houses.  I am just happy that we have the Martins back. Like you, I am going to try to put up some artificial nests for them for next year, but I will have to find a victim willing volunteer to go up the ladder to put it up for me. I would feel very honoured if they chose my house to nest in.