family owl search

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On last Saturday morning's Family Raptor Hunt, we found a solo barred owl in the woods by the historic Ijams Family pond but we did not find the red-shouldered hawk family as expected. They perhaps have left the wetland.

Ijams owl-whisperer and flâneur Rex McDaniel scouted the area before our group arrived on the scene. He had located and was keeping an eye on an owl as we made it down Discovery Trail. Because of its size, Rex thought it was the male or father owl. Mom and the three juveniles could not be found.

We all watched the male owl look for prey--mouse or mole--and flew to the ground to catch it, not once but twice. Shortly after each strike, he quaffed it down. The thing about owls is that they sit still, so kids can see them better through a spotting scope.

It is always gratifying for me to share purely natural moments with young children. Finding a wild owl hunting for food in the woods was special.

Owl photos by Rex McDaniel.

Rex McDaniel

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