[Ontbirds]Barred Owl (Ottawa)

[Ott User]

Hi.
      Late this afternoon a Barred Owl was seen perched in the open along 
the west side of Rifle Road (earlier in the day a number of Bohemian 
Waxwings were seen feeding along the shoulder of Rifle Road).  Also earlier 
in the afternoon a few birders and I were treated to the sight of 2 Barred 
Owls about a 15 minute drive west from the Rifle Road area.  I first sighted 
the owls when both flew in front of my car.  I saw one of the Barred Owls 
catch a rodent about 20 feet in front of me as it dove into a snow covered 
ditch (see link to image taken just before it made the dive).  It then flew 
to a tree to consume the just caught prey.  Later I saw it dive to the 
ground a second time but it was too far for me to tell if it caught anything 
although it was on the ground for some time.  This Barred Owl was actively 
hunting the whole time I observed it.



http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/90357681/original

http://www.pbase.com/golfpic/image/90357682/original




W. Hum
www.pbase.com/golfpic
Directions to Shirley's Bay area (Rifle Road, Hild Road feeders) courtesy
 www.NeilyWorld.com
http://ca.geocities.com/larry.neily@rogers.com/orwo21.htm