Wondering About a Stealthy Night Visitor.

Just before I went to bed last night, I took the dogs out.  I don't have to go out with them, since they have a fenced in yard, but it was a beautiful, clear night and I was looking at the stars.  The Pleiades (Seven Sisters) constellation was directly over head and, of course, I was looking at it.  As I was standing out there looking up, a huge, silent object came out of the intense dark area under the trees to my right, went just a couple of feet over my head, and glided up into a tall tree to my left.  What impressed me the most was just how silent it was.  A huge flying object like that surely would have to make some noise.

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?