We found a raptor and owl bonanza today at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in
Wyandot County and Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve in Hardin County.
7 Northern Harrier
1 Cooper's Hawk
7 Bald Eagle
11 Red-tailed Hawk
7 Rough-legged Hawk
2 Short-eared Owl
1 Northern Saw-whet Owl
6 American Kestrel
1 Merlin

We spent most of the day at Killdeer Plains -- raptors were everywhere. We
found a Northern Saw-whet Owl high in a pine in the Owl Woods there.

We had never visited Lawrence Woods in Hardin County. The Short-eared Owls
came out about 5:00 pm. It was so interesting to watch them interact with a
Northern Harrier and a Merlin. The Merlin flew in and challenged the owl for
prey. We also got to watch 3 Eastern Bluebirds land in a small oak near the
parking area and nestle together on a branch, roosting for the night. When
they all got in place, it was very hard to distinguish them from the oak
leaves left on the tree.

Ken Ostermiller
Westfield Center, Ohio

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