March 17: Great Gray Owl

The Great Gray Owl is back on the garden post.

Erik was thrilled to get this photo with his 'old' camera
while Harry the professional forgot to bring his 'fancy' camera.

The owl perches on an old fence post nearby, looking for snacks,
and wasn't bothered by our presence.

About 10 days ago, Erik had his first sighting of this magnificent Great Gray Owl. It is enormous - more than 30 inches long with a wingspan of about five feet. For days the owl hung around, sitting on fence posts, a deck post of the new house, and in trees nearby.

This "phantom of the forest" didn't seem to mind power saws and sanders, a big chocolate lab, or three of us digging a raised bed for the vegetable garden. He would kept a wary eye on ravens as they harassed him and then drop into the grass to feast on voles.

But then, he moved down valley about a week ago, and we thought he was gone for good...until late this afternoon, when he reappeared. Erik saw him sitting on a fence pole, and then the owl enjoyed scanning the field from our deck posts. What a fascinating creature - we hope the owl sticks around so we can continue to enjoy watching him!