Great Horned Owl

This afternoon’s walk took me to Deas Island Park. The highlight of the day were two Great Horned Owl juveniles.

While they were some distance away,

… and the light a little challenging, it was still fun watching them. As you can see they were also curious and watching me. They were still pretty downy and probably have not been away from the nest long. One of the adults was atop a nearby tree.

Great Horned Owl

On arriving at Reifel this afternoon to help out on the trails I learned one of the Great Horned Owls was present in the sanctuary again. Knowing this to be a favourite of visitors I headed in that general direction. There was just one short detour along the way to the Ewen Slough blind in the northeast corner.

A Spotted Sandpiper had been seen earlier and was still present. Here it is intently watching a fly buzzing around in front of it. After a few minutes enjoying the sandpiper I made my way to the north dyke trail and located the Great Horned Owl roosting in the deciduous trees between there and the inside grassy trail.

I set up the camera for the visitors allowing them a close up view. Needless to say it was quite the hit.

After a while I did take a break for a walk. The only things cooperating,

… were some Dowitchers by the tower. I eventually made my way back to the Great Horned Owl,

… finishing the afternoon there. Even had a little time for this video.

Great Horned + Dowitchers

It was a pleasant afternoon and a half decent crowd at Reifel when I arrived to help out on the trails today. A favourite visitors are always asking about is owls,

… and much to their delight one of the Great Horned Owls was in a decent spot for viewing today. While the adults and two juveniles this year have been viewable from a distance earlier in the year, this was probably the closest one has been in a while.

With not much else happening,