Yesterday our family had an opportunity to photograph a Barred Owl at the
home of friends in Highland County. They began seeing a Barred Owl using
their yard to hunt mice about 1 week ago, and have seen it most days since.
Apparently mice come to the bird feed, and the owl comes for the mice.
The folks have mentioned they are not telling a large group of folks the
location, as they aren't ready for a large influx of visitors. So I'm
honoring their wishes and will just mention they are near McDowell.
Photos: http://www.naturefriendmagazine.com/photos.pl?catid=13
Another recent observation for several of the boys and me was to watch a
male American Woodcock strut around his turf a mere 25 yards from us. We've
seen the aerial display many times, and that is why our lane is name
Woodcock Lane. But this strutting was done on the ground between flights. He
held his wings high over his back and moved slowly, very similar to a
strutting tom. In time, he stopped for a while, but his wings remained high
in the air. Ultimately, a second bird moved out from underneath of him.
I'd not realized they strut like this, but I didn't know what else to call
the behavior. I hope to try for pictures one of these evenings, but what are
the chances I'll see a repeat of this at 25 yards?
Kevin Shank
Nature Friend
Rockingham County
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