Winter Owling Recap

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Well it’s definitely been an strange year as far as Winter Owls.
Found that Snowy Owls to be fewer than normal being hit and miss and you could never count on seeing one at the same location twice.
Disappointing year for Great Grays…with not one sighting.
Couple of Hawk Owls that provided some enjoyable encounters.
Last but not least…the Northern Saw-whet sightings would be the most enjoyable part of the winter.
As we near the middle of March…thoughts of returning Peregrines will now be on my mind.

Room With a View

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Like other owls the Northern Saw-whet doesn’t build a nest in which to use. They rely on other birds like the Northern Flicker and Pileated Woodpecker to do all the work then will use the location.
They will also take advantage of the nest boxes that we humans build for Wood Ducks…wonder what the ducks will think about that on their return ?
Hopefully the nest box will be used as it’s in a very public place with lots of human traffic.
I’ve opted not to return because of the location…good luck little owls.

Holy Crap

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

The last thing I ever expected to see in the center of the city…really caught me of guard but still managed a few frames.
First thought it to be a Great Gray (which would be highly unlikely)…then a Great Horned but as I approached soon realizing it was in fact a Barred Owl.
Somewhat similar to a Gray in appearance but smaller in size…perhaps the biggest noticeable difference would be the coal black eyes.
This encounter was short and brief before it took off and disappeared into the bush along the river.
Again reminding myself to always expect the unexpected.