Here in my new digs of 6 months now in Maple Grove just on the west side of West Eagle Lake (south of 694 and a mile east of 494) I sit looking out my window at the goldfinches when they suddenly all disappear in a hurry. And then nothing. Nothing. Five minutes creep by in about an hour and then a silent movement of feathers the size of a basketball (Osseo lost to Cooper in my step-daughter's last captain of the high school cheerleaders game last night - and so the sports analogy). With amazing smoothness a beautiful Barred Owl lights on a branch directly in front of my window about 25 feet away and about 15 feet up in the tree for easy viewing! (My office is in the second floor just below the height of the perch.) What a great way to study the features of the bird and the uncanny ability to pivot it's head towards me with the slightest movement I make other than just turning my head. It doesn't seem to mind me though, just something to check out. With all of the squirrels and soon-to-be chipmunks about I hope to see it browse through the delicatessen portion of the yard some time and perhaps share the experience with me. Maybe the feeder droppings and the attention given by the rodents with fuzzy tails is what attracted this beautiful predator in for my viewing delight. Regardless, praise and gratitude to this huddling bird. Perhaps a squirrel might make a misstep and make my day. With such excellent camouflage against the brown, vertically streaked tree trunk, it seems likely.
Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN