While birding the Little River this morning, I found that I couldn't keep my mind and eyes off of all the Paw Paw trees and Spice Bush that were being strangled by the abundant Japanese Honeysuckle. I spent way to much time optimistically freeing the ones that I could reach. My bird list was not adding up to very much. Then a lovely Rose Breasted Grosbeak took a peek over my shoulder to see what I was up to. He spent some time nearby pulling caterpillars off of the trunks of the White Oaks and we worked together to clear the woods a few "pests". He managed to get me focused on the birds again and my list began to improve. I took a few sidetracks to my favorite tree and a dwindling Vernal Pool before I headed back towards my truck with a modest but satisfying bird list. I couldn't help myself, I had to free just one more tree all the while telling myself it was hopeless. As I heard that satisfying snap, I looked out beyond the brim of my hat directly into the huge brown eyes of a Barred Owl. She was about fifteen feet away, eye level and studying me very closely. We starred at one another for a moment then she silently flew higher into the next tree where she continued to ponder me. We watched each other for the next thirty minutes. I kept one eye on her and one hand on the honeysuckle - snap, snap, snap.... She kept one eye on me and one eye at the edge of the river where she hoped that my activity might flush out an easy meal. I wondered if she was cheering me on or thinking me hopeless. I finally decided to let her continue her hunt in private and as I headed for the trail head I was treated to two lovely male Indigo Buntings lit by the single ray of sunshine that I saw all day. So next time your walking through the woods and you are overwhelmed by the vines, ivy, grasses..... take a minute to remove a few. You never know what your reward might be. I attached a picture so you could enjoy her as well. Happy Snapping! Nancy
Attachment:
Barred Owl 4.JPG
Description: JPEG image
