This is what I first thought it was:
But it turned out to be a Barred Owl.
They are an impressive sight, especially when they are that close!!
Of course, most of us see them in the daytime just sitting in a tree resting up for the upcoming night's hunt.
There are quite a few of them around here and I just love to hear their calls. The have quite a repertoire. The following is a link to a YouTube video that will let you hear their vocalizations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5zc-NHIipw
I love these birds and love to listen to their calls and conversations. Now, you all have a great day and a great night to night, you hear?
Oh Wow! Who Cooks for you? One of my favorites! But, wouldn't it be neat to see in person that guy in the first photo? Looks like something that would have you for dinner!
ReplyDeleteYes that would be impressive to see, but if you did, it may be the last sight you would ever see. . .
DeleteA couple of them hang around my place. Love -em.
ReplyDeleteThey are nice to have around and they get rid of unwanted rodents, too.
DeleteIt was good you went out with the dogs, the owl might have come in lower and snatched up one them.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if it was coming after the dogs and then spotted me and just buzzed me on its way back up to a tree. I have heard of them picking up cats.
DeleteI think I can see a group of stars that might be the Pleiades through my binoculars. I don't have very good views from my place for stargazing.
ReplyDeleteThey are a close cluster of seven stars, that is why they are also called the seven sisters and thy sit in bluish haze. You can see the haze with a good pair of binoculars on a clear night. The night sky is a beautiful thing, especially if you know where to look and what to look for. The bigger the telescope the more it reveals.
DeleteIt would have scared the heck out of me!
ReplyDeleteI was afraid for my pups.
DeleteMe kids brought in a baby great horned owl, and we raised it. It had a huge wing span, and would fly right up to you, then drop. I always ducked, lol. I hear them from the river, and sometimes closer.
ReplyDeleteWe always called em hoot owls. and that was his (her) name, Hoot.
How long did you have the pet owl? I bet he was fun and kept the mice down.
DeleteI love them too .... I have seen little baby ones pointed out to me by a motel owner in Estes Park, Colorado ... they nest there ... I about squealed myself silly trying to stifle the squeals! AND I have been to the bird shows where the owls fly so silently ... just spectacular creatures.
ReplyDeleteYep, one of Mother Nature's best works. They are perfectly suited for night life.
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