We had the most amazing experience last night. When we got home from work and sat down for dinner, I spotted an enormous owl sitting on the upper cross bar of my garden swing. We’ve lived here 27 years. Although I’ve occasionally heard an owl, I’ve never seen one before.
I think this was a Great Horned Owl, although I’m not really sure.
He patiently sat there for a full 45 minutes (perhaps longer because he was already there when I first noticed him). He just was looking around — probably for small animals for a snack.
Then, suddenly, he spread his wings and flew swiftly and silently away. He went behind the barn, so I don’t know if he caught anything, but we have lots of rabbits, voles, and mice running arond.
He was awesome!
That solves the mystery. Clearly, it was a spotted owl. :)
I just saw my first one in person last week at the park. He was enormous!