Treat on a Stick

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Dedicated day in search of any Winter Owls that are seen in more forested areas to the North.
Though still perhaps a bit early for Great Grays the forecast was positive and spending time in the woods would be relaxing.
I searched in vain with no rewards to be had.
Early afternoon and paused to plan a different route home with a couple of options…there it was again, that gut feeling.

As I drove the road I was beginning to think I should have picked Route B on the list.

Long story short…Northern Hawk Owl spotted. Now the waiting game begins as it seemed to be actively looking/listening for its next meal.
Their meals consist of voles/mice which are now hiding beneath the snow. With their incredible hearing and sight are able to detect the slightest
movement.

As time went on the owl was moving from perch to perch but never did make a meal plunge.

All in all and nice way to be rewarded and end my day out-n-about.

Good-Bye 2020…Hello 2021

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Now the last day of 2020 and so far Winter Owling has been hit and miss…with a fair amount of time spent and km’s logged.
Still early in the winter season and expect there to be many more days of searching for Snowies, Great Grays…or like this Bonus Northern Hawk Owl that was a reward near the end of a day.
Hopefully the New Year along with snow & cold will bring on more rewards…as the searching continues.