4 species of owls were actually seen today and not just heard scouting for the Carey Christmas bird count in northern Wyandot Co. They were all in my designated count area.

Screech Owl - 3 inds. were heard together this a.m. One observed was a gray phase at close range with the aid of a flashlight!

Great Horned Owl - 2 inds. were heard at 2 different locations and another was flushed from a pine grove. The latter bird has been present for the past 5 years.

Barred Owl - 1 ind. was flushed from a white pine where it was found roosting 2 days earlier. It reappeared answering a recorded call and was soon joined by another vocal ind. They continued their vocal effort and were observed at very close range.

Long Eared Owl - 1 ind. was flushed from a large Japanese Yew at a private resident. It flew to a apple orchard and perched in the open and offered great views. A Long Eared was here last year a week before the Christmas count but not relocated the day of the count.

Rick Counts
Wyandot Co.

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