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Project Noah Nature School
Strix varia
spotted on a low oak branch beside a truck path through the woods
This owl was uncharacteristicly hunting in the late afternoon. We had seen him earlier in the day resting high in the dense trees. I walked down the path later and he was on a broken branch 10 or so feet off the ground. I was able to approach within 15 or 20 feet; he looked at me twice and went about his business. Every couple of minutes he would fall like a feathered stone to the leaf litter under the trees (presumably for lizards and skinks abundant there), then fly back to his perch.
Spotted on Apr 1, 2012
Submitted on Apr 2, 2012
19 Comments
Thank you, duttagupta35504. These were shot using the Canon Power Shot sx40 HS.
What camera do you use? Fantastic shots!
Thank you both. This owl was in an area near Ocala that is not very populated. We have had one recently here on the property near the river and very close to an elementary school.
Beautiful shots!
Wow! Beautiful shots! How cool to see him hunting during the day!!
There are supposedly Scrub Jays in the "Big Scrub" area, and in the Scrub around Lake Eaton Sinkhole. I just have never had (until now) much time to take in tracking them down. A Forestry Dept supervisor directed me there, but I haven't gone (yet!)
Thank you, Ava. @Karen: I spent a good portion of my childhood in the Ocala Nat. Forest (near Salt Springs) and I don't recall seeing scrub jays. I believe there is a good population in Clermont. But if you want to make a trip to the east coast, I'd be happy to take you to the small sanctuary here where these photos were taken. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/687...
Beautiful.
BTW.... I am SO jealous of your profile pic... I have yet to see a Scrub Jay! (And I live only 20 minutes from Ocala National Forest! Practically scandalous, isn't it!?!)
Great photos! Great spot! I love this owl! Congratulations!
Thanks, Karen.
Niiiice!
Great spotting!!
Wow, great close ups of a wild bird! Well done Nancy!
beautiful series!
Grandiosas series
Wow!! Great encounter! Beautiful series of pics!
Lovely photos - especially pic #1 -makes me want to reach out and stroke his head !
Wonderful spotting and series of photos. Interesting observance I have made is that the barred owls in Tallahassee will hoot each time a train goes by and blows its whistle! I often wonder if this is the case everywhere. Love the 1st photo!