From being perched in a tree focused on prey…to successfully catching its prey was mere seconds.
I’m sure the lack of snow makes this task much easier for the Hawk Owl…do remember though that not every attempt is successful.

The location that seems to be the hunting grounds is along a riverbank…with a mix of trees, grass and open area.
With thick bush just across the river which makes for an ideal location for caching food. Observations indicate that’s exactly what the owl is doing.

Catch a vole/mouse…them off across the river. Few minutes later…returns and catches another vole/mouse, back across the river.
Then after all that hard work shopping and filling the pantry…he’s hungry and ready for a meal.

Then there’s times he just simply sits high in a tree and watches the world go by.

As I mentioned…it didn’t take long to realize that the owl was focused on a certain area…how long would the wait be ?
The answer to that…about as long as you would wait for the signal lights to change at Portage and Main.

This Hawk Owl was on a mission and definitely focused on its prey…with the wings tucked in it was off like a rocket.
The morning didn’t turn out well for the vole…after which the owl proceeded to have Vole Tartare.

So it goes in the Nature World.

There are times when it’s a waiting game which patience being required…sooner or later the Hawk Owl would likely turn up. You simply sit back and enjoy some coffee…waiting and watching for any movement.
After an hour and a half I was about to pull the plug… suddenly out of nowhere he/she shows up.

These owls hunt by both sight and sound…with very little to no snow I’m sure finding voles/mice is a much easier task.
Didn’t take long to realize that the owl was focused on a certain area…how long would the wait be ?

The answer to that will be in the next communication.

Cheers !
Dennis