Great Horned Owl (Bubo Virginianus)LAST NIGHT I was startled by a very loud hoo hooing outside, and at first I thought it was kids goofing off. But it was the real thing. It was quiet, so Mr. Owl's hoot carried. I hadn't seen an owl up close. So I tiptoed to the walnut tree where I located the source of his 'hoo - hoooo hoo." He regarded me several times. I stayed very still. But he took off anyway after about 4 minutes. When Ophee and I went out for her nightly constitutional, I was 5 feet behind her, when the owl swept right over us at eye level, and fortunately I didn't have to duel him for my puppy. I think he was checking her out, and decided 14 lbs. might be just a bit much to deal with. Nevertheless, lesson learned, and quite a thrill....super silent and spooky, he was on us before I even knew it. And in a blink was gone.
Here is a photo of when I first spotted him/her (it was dark, so I had to retouch this in Pshop, but it's identical to the scene).
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