Just a brief summary of my visit today to KDP.

Unfortunately, I did not have any luck in locating a Long Eared Owl, though
it wasn't for a lack of effort on my part.  I spent more than three hours
scouring all the usual LE spots, including the so-called "secondary owl
pines," where Jeff Robinson sighted one a few days back.  ...I have to say,
the more unsuccessful visits I make in search of these owls, the more they
take on a quasi-mythical dimension in my imagination.  When I do finally
find one (or one finds me), it's going to be quite an experience!

The main "owl pines" did live up to their name by delivering a gorgeous
Barred Owl.

I stuck around to see if the Short Eared Owls, which were so spectacularly
numerous last year, had yet returned.  I did not see any.  Nor did I find
any Rough Legged Hawks.  Looking at eBird, it seems it's probably just a
few weeks too early for many of these wintering birds of prey to be present
in big numbers.

The usual assortment was around and put on a good show.  Within 2 minutes
of arriving I had two Bald Eagles and four Red Tailed Hawks.  (Both tallies
increased steadily through the day.)  Kestrels everywhere, a "gray ghost"
Harrier, etc.  I did not end up surveying the waterfowl.  A large flock of
Wild Turkeys kept me waiting for a few minutes on CR-71, east of the
Cedaroak Farm.

Having seen Snowy and Barn this year, I'm *determined *to find my two
remaining Owls this winter (LE and Saw Whet), so I'll keep at KDP!
Best,
Noah

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