Today along County Road 21 north of Cloverdale in Pine County I found and photographed a one-eyed Great Gray Owl. The bird's left eye is cloudy, obviously damaged. It would be interesting to know if other observers locate this owl and where. The injury might allow the bird to be tracked as it moves from place to place. The bird appeared healthy and functional.
In all today, working from Cloverdale north to Askov and Finlayson, I found 15 Great Grays. The area south of Finlayson was the most productive. Interesting were my conversations with residents of the area -- farmers, woodcutters, road maintenance workers, householders. All were aware of the owls. All knew the species and the facts surrounding the owls' movement into Minnesota. The only person I spoke with who did not respond positively was perhaps the person in best position to comment on the owls' presence throughout the area: a rural mail carrier. She said she only looks for eagles. Jim Williams Wayzata