A note on the Great Horned Owl in Green Lawn Cem, esp. for photographers.

Based largely on my previous experience, when the Owls nested in this
same tree several years ago, close encounters will cause the bird to
crouch down.

A good viewing spot is on the steps on the small mausoleum on the corner
of section 50, just across the road at the bottom of the hill. There is a
clear view from this spot and a good spot (in my estimation) for getting
a good photo. The owl(s) can be seen with binocs, but a scope would be
better to see the young. The view is more direct here rather than closer
to the nest. There are a few other spots around this mausoleum which can
also be good.

If the owl has not been disturbed for some time (by close encounters),
good views can be had from here. Moving up the hill can cause the owl to
hunker down in the cavity and the young to be covered. I saw this  happen
in my naive behavior when I first became aware of it the former years.
When it nested here before, the owlets were often reported sitting on the
edge early in the morning, but I don't get there that early. The edge of
the cavity is covered with wash, so they must be sitting there at times
when there is no disturbance.

I think it has been about 3 or 4 years since the owl nested here. Why did
it move? Does is just naturally change its site every so often? Or was
there too much disturbance for it?


Richard Cressman
Columbus OH
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