Yesterday (December 8), a group from the Columbus Audubon Society visited 
Killdeer Plains. Although we missed the shrike that others had reported, 
we did manage to locate two barred owls, along with kestrels (one flew 
into a barn window while we were watching), bald eagles, red-headed 
woodpeckers, northern harriers (including a gorgeous adult male hunting 
over the field next to the port-a-potty), and a striking ring-necked 
pheasant along the side the road who seemed completely unconcerned by our 
presence. Most of the ponds were pretty empty, probably due to hunting 
activity, but we discovered a decent variety of waterfowl in the large 
pond along the north side of Highway 68. (Not surprisingly, this pond is 
off-limits to hunters.)

The highlight of the trip, however, came around 4:30, when we saw at least 
eight short-eared owls hunting the fields surrounding the sportsman's 
center. (It was probably more like a dozen owls, possibly more, but it was 
impossible to keep count, as they were flying around us on all sides.) 
There were also five or six norther harriers (no adult males this time) 
hunting in the same area, at times engaging in arial battle with the owls.

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