I arrived at the roost just as some Red-tailed Hawks spooked the Great Horned Owl. It made for some fun owl watching as we got to see some flights in daylight, but it didn’t make for great photography.  After dark, two of us were able to keep track of the owl for a good 30 minutes from a vantage point across the lake.  It was wonderful to watch the owl stretch and wake up without any birders or hawks to distract it.

The Great Horned Owl in Central Park has hung around. Tonight was a typical fly out.  Lots of stretches and a wonderful circular flight around the roost site.  It then perched on a nearby tree for about ten minutes before flying a good distance south.

For those lucky enough to see this bird, please be respectful of this wonderful owl.  The ABA’s Code of Ethics has some great recommendations about how to promote the welfare of birds and their environment.  

I went to Central Park, in New York City today to look for Pale Male and an Immature Red-headed Woodpecker.  I saw both but the surprise of the day was a Great Horned Owl roosting in a Sweet Gum Tree.  The tree had red and yellow leaves and was a perfect backdrop for the owl.  Let’s hope it sticks around for a few weeks.

One of the joys of winter is that it brings owls to Central Park.  But this year, they’ve been scarce.  Luckily, at least two Long-eared Owls have been in the park this week.  Finally! From my very poor pictures you can see that these owls do a good job of staying under the radar!  After fly out, after a few minutes of preening, the owl quickly caught a rodent and flew off.