Snowy Owl.
Got word again this morning from Douglas, friend and raptor expert, that a Snowy Owl has been hanging out off Buttermilk Lane near the Weskeag Marsh, so I thought I should go see if I could catch a glimpse. Sure enough, I got a look at him perched on the ground amid remnant snow patches behind an old log. While I was checking it out, a pickup with a few people pulled up, and one of them asked if I spotted the owl. A conversation ensued. Turns out this owl has often perched near the road, allowing great views. It was a little hidden this morning, but that was fine.
After the owl trip, Jack and I headed over to Beech Hill. Quiet up there, but calm and somewhat warmer than yesterday. Hazy overcast. Saw crows and a robin. Afterward, I took care of a few errands. Saw a blue jay, some ducks, some pigeons.
Toward late afternoon, I had a hankering to see if I could get a better look at the Buttermilk Lane owl, so we dashed over for another visit. By golly, it had decided to perch on the log out in the open, offering a much better view. A harrier flew by as I was taking photos—and I even got a little video.
Afterward, we swung by the airport, where I got a glimpse of the young snowy that I’ve seen near the chain link fence there. Two snowies on the last day of winter.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 2:15 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
1. American Crow*
2. American Robin
3. Black-Capped Chickadee**
Elsewhere
4. Herring Gull
5. Snowy Owl
6. Blue Jay
7. Mallard
8. Rock Pigeon
9. Northern Harrier
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere
Tags: American crow, American robin, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, herring gull, mallard, northern harrier, rock pigeon, snowy owl
