American Kestrel

Northern Harrier

There is a new park just outside of town. It is still in the development stage, but promises to be a great birding location. Both images were made there from the parking lot over the past few days. Scanning the trees and meadows, I was able to see two groups of turkeys, two adult Bald eagles, deer, and other assorted birds. I don’t know when the park will finally open, but I am sure looking forward to being able to explore the many acres which are out of reach now.

I had been reading about a Screech Owl at one of the local parks for about 10 days. The exact location was a bit fuzzy, but often there are other birders around when a bird of wide interest is involved so I thought I would try to find it. Upon arrival I located a Pileated Woodpecker, interesting but not a Screech Owl. Soon I discovered a Blue Jay making a fuss a short distance away. That is when I found the Screech Owl.

The sunlight was full on the bird, lighting it up like a spot light. I set up my gear and made a few images and then a few more and a few more. After about 90 minutes, I wandered along the path to see what else was around. I saw a Winter Wren, several sparrows, a Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, some ducks and gulls and a Northern Cardinal. When I returned to the Owl location there were several birders watching the owl. It hadn’t moved from the hole all afternoon.

I decided to stay as it was getting dark and hoped the owl would fly off in search of dinner. Long story shortened, when it was almost too dark to see, the owl stretched a few times and retreated into the cavity. Yup, all those hours (5 total) and the bird never moved from the cavity opening except to disappear into it.

I was glad to have seen it. I had seen these owls before but this was the first wild one I saw.

This is turning out to be an unusual season for Snowy Owls. Not often found this far south, they have been popping up in many locations around Virginia (and other states). I drove to one of the locations where a Snowy had been reported for about two weeks. There were about five others at the location when I arrived. The bird was way off on a warehouse roof. Later the bird flew to a closer location and provided a better view. Later still, the bird moved to a location in a field which is private property, but for sale. I called the number on the sign and received permission to enter the field. Crossing the field put me in a good location to observe the Snowy. After a while, the bird caught sight of a small critter and was off for lunch. It was a five-hour adventure in the sleet and snow – but it was also a “lifer” bird for me. Happy New Year!

Searching for lunch from an exit sign.

Lunch spotted!

Got it.

Unfortunate for the critter, but Owls gotta eat, too.