About a week ago my friend Geniece and I joined our pals Richard Fray and Ed for some owling on Mt. Lemmon. We battled 30+ mph winds most of the night. After three hours we had seen zero birds and heard only one, a distant Mexican Whip-poor-will. I was a little bummed! But at the bottom of the mountain the wind calmed down and our luck changed. We heard a couple of Elf Owls calling, but never got a visual. At least we hadn't struck out on owls. A little further down the highway we struck gold when we spotted two owls off the road. One flew down for shocking, eye-level, unobstructed views! WOW! It's one of the best birding experiences I've had. What a cool bird to have as my 300th species in Pima County.
Richard Fray happens to be a wonderful bird guide, I highly recommend him. Check out his
website for birding in Southeast Arizona.
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Western Screech-Owl |
Awesome Jeremy! I still haven't seen Western Screech Owls--one of those birds I really should have by now..
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great experience with them. Well done! Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a wonderful experience for you! Fantastic Western Screech Owl photograph!
ReplyDeleteTerrific view of the Screech Owl Jeremy! I've seen Eastern Screech Owls but not a Western yet. Wow, what a great way to finish up your walk.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful little owl Jeremy and the great angle you got on it is a bonus. I can imagine your excitement!
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