An Interesting Visitor to the Platform
During the off-season of the Osprey, I’ve photographed quite a few ‘visitors’ to our Osprey nest platform besides the American Bald Eagle (my last post). The list includes the Great Blue Heron, numerous gulls, a Mallard, Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Boat-tailed Grackle, Crows, and Red-Winged Blackbird.
Looking out my window on a recent clear night, I thought I could make out a large shadow on the platform. Cool, I thought. I grabbed my binoculars to see if I could identify it and could make out the shape of an owl. He never made a sound and sat there for over an hour. I’m not able to identify what owl species. I know we have Great Horned Owls across Marshy Creek at CBEC, so maybe a GHO?
This was the first time I’ve sighted an owl on the platform. I gave it a shot to try and capture/document my discovery. The photo is terrible (and it became my best, ugh!) because I’m not very good at night photography (still learning!) but I wanted to share.
He seemed quite content perched there, and I was tickled with my capture! 🙂
Interesting that the owl would use the platform, since it’s over water. Also, I think that it’s a great photo since it was taken at night.
Especially when it looks like he’s looking out over the vast part of the water. He was enjoying the view I guess! 🙂 Thanks Jerry!
Neat! Perhaps you can contact the CBEC Visitor Center, describe what you experienced, the time of night, and direct them to your on-line photo, They may be able to help ID the bird.
Great idea, Steve, thanks!
Maybe it just wanted to vary routine and get a little notoriety while at it.
That could very well be true. 🙂
He looks rather pensive sitting up there.
Quite content indeed.
Unmistakable GHO. I think the last one I photographed a couple years ago was in a similar situation at Tuttle Marsh and it was dusk. They know when they’re less visible. Great silhouette!
I suspected he was a GHO with those cute ears. lol Thanks for the confirmation Lisa!
Looks good for GHO to me! If you’re on Facebook, there’s a great page called “The Facebook Bird ID group of the world.” There’s several experts on there who are very helpful! 🙂
Thanks for the Bird ID group share, Possumtree! 🙂