The last few years I have made attempts to discover "new" natural areas to explore void of people, either for just me or with Angie on our weekend outings. Why? So we can really be just with nature and not surrounded by people. Now don't get me wrong, we don't mind to be social with some outings like during spring migration, seeing faces we don't see the rest of the year, or chancing upon meeting someone we know through social media. But the quiet outings are much needed, de-stressing, or as Angie calls it "our yoga".
I always keep my eyes out for new areas. If I am able to, I will physically explore. If not, a mental note is made and I will look at Google maps when I am home on the computer.
Two springs ago I found an area not far from my work. Looking at it initially, it looked awfully dumpy, and it still does as garbage collects since it is close to two major highways. Looking past the trash, observing the habitat, I thought it would be quite good for bird watching. I've seen dozens upon dozens of White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows in the early spring. Then the thrushes come through. This fall has attracted American Woodcock and small flocks of Common Redpolls AND.... a couple owls, Long-eared Owls to be exact.
Last weekend we visited this area. I've been letting Angie lead the walks this fall in hopes of doing some owl spotting. It was a wonderful surprise when she spotted one in a tree along the path. YES! I knew it would be a good area to find one some fall/winter.
The moment was hilarious and video worthy but it was all unexpected and in the moment so no videoing was done. Angie spotted the owl, quickly and gently announced it, then fast stepped it ahead a number of feet, doing this excited little jig. She was shocked and thrilled with her find.
I observed it as I walked ahead to catch up to her. We calmed ourselves. Then backtracked for a better but also quite brief view. I took 5 photos from the path. Then we continued our walk.
We didn't see much else in our journey. We had to pass the owl tree on our way out. When we got close to the spot, I walked ahead, adjusted my camera settings, and took another 4 pictures from the path. It was then that I noticed there was a second bird in the tree. It was slightly higher and deeper within. As I started down the path towards the car, I turned to Angie who was waiting well behind, I held my hand up, raising two fingers to let her know about the other. She then continued down the path, stopping for one more quick look and then caught up with me.
Overall our viewing time may have hit a full 90 seconds between both encounters. We saw the owls. I took less then 10 photos. That was it. One of the images may make our 2021 calendar since it was a very memorable moment.
Meanwhile out in Whitby, there was a major shit show of people sitting on an owl. Word quickly spread on how people conducted themselves in front of a saw-whet owl. Photos of the crowds on the tiny owl in the tree surfaced on social media. It was one of the worst things I have ever seen as the number of people was double digits, there was some trying to take selfies with the owl. It's been an ongoing issue for weeks now and just seems to be getting worse. The mild November has brought more people out. I have thought about adding one of those photos here but they are not mine to share. Paint a visual and I assure you that you are probably close to what was happening.
Finding your own owl(s) is a very rewarding experience. Conducting yourself as an ethical "birder", limiting your time, keeping your space and walking away without, like here, flushing a Long-eared Owl all makes for a wonderful memory. More people should try it instead of just following the masses to the "celebrities".
If you feel like another read, here is a great one someone published today. Whether you are new to whole bird watching thing, not totally understanding my rants on social media about people harassing owls, or perhaps need a reminder at the start of the winter season, check it out here.
