Today was the first time this season that I managed to get out to Cades Cove
and look for the Short-eared Owl. It was a successful trip. I both saw it
(once) and heard it (at least twice). I say “it”, but it could have been more
than one there. However, I can only attest reliably to one. I was watching from
Hyatt Hill on Hyatt Lane. The late afternoon was somewhat overcast with low
light conditions. The bird was first noted at slightly past 5:30—about ten
minutes past official sunset.
I also saw a male and a female northern harrier, and heard both a screech owl
and a barred owl.
Randy WinsteadMaryville, Blount County
