1.20.2013

A bird I know.



We're expecting -10 degrees for a low tonight, but yesterday we reached a high of 45, making it a great day for a long walk along the trails of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Two new birds discovered for the year: a Barred Owl and Fox Sparrow. The Barred Owl was perched at one of his usual spots that makes him look like he's sprouting from the tree, hence the nickname “Sprout” that Dottie Johnson has given him. In the past I've considered this particular owl a 1 out of 2 visits bird, but lately he's been more like 1 out of 5. There's nothing about his stoic stare to account for the schedule change, but the explanation is likely something as simple as a new roosting spot I've not yet discovered. An owl should have a few secrets.

Pheasant Branch, Dane, US-WI
Jan 19, 2013 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
30 species

Canada Goose 
Mallard 
Cooper's Hawk 
Red-tailed Hawk 
Rock Pigeon 
Mourning Dove 
Great Horned Owl 
Barred Owl 
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
Downy Woodpecker 
Hairy Woodpecker 
Blue Jay 
American Crow 
Horned Lark 
Black-capped Chickadee 
Tufted Titmouse 
White-breasted Nuthatch 
Brown Creeper 
American Robin 
European Starling 
Cedar Waxwing 
American Tree Sparrow 
Fox Sparrow 
White-throated Sparrow 
Dark-eyed Junco 
Northern Cardinal 
House Finch 
Pine Siskin 
American Goldfinch 
House Sparrow 

Barred Owl © 2013 Mike McDowell