I was awakened about 5:10 A.M. today by the very loud call of a Great Horned
Owl near my home in Birchwood (Hamilton County). This first-of-the-year species
was followed by three others. A Great Crested Flycatcher was heard at home and
another was calling at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Birchwood (Meigs
County). Then late in the day, I heard a Wood Thrush at home, and a little
after dark an Eastern Whip-poor-will was heard, possibly on my property in
Birchwood.
I have identified Barred Owls each year for several years by their calls, but
never by a visual sighting until today. I was able to view and photograph a
Barred Owl on private property in Birchwood (Hamilton County).
Charles Murray
Birchwood, TN
