Spooky Owl, Brainy Birds & Cool Cats

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It was Hallows' Eve early morning when what likely was a barred owl sitting on the fence stared at my window. In the dim light across the yard it looked like a spooky cat or a ghostly mop. From the side (below) it reminded me of a gray haired lady with a shawl wrapped over her head. I feared if I opened the window it would fly away but it didn't ... it was setting its hopes on some mice perhaps. This bird, sometimes called hoot owl, is said to have caused a decline in the less competitive northern spotted owl, also native to British Columbia. Occasionally, the two species forget their differences and co-mingle which is nice. Since Greek mythology, wide-open owl-eyes with their earnest expressions have exuded wisdom. But sorry Mr. or Ms. Owl, other birds might be wiser like the parrot and chicken in my post HERE.

Later, a cool cat carving with pumpkin eyes wickedly smirked as I walked by.


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Comments

  1. David M. Gascoigne,November 2, 2019 at 10:04 AM

    It is cause for celebration to see any kind of owl, and perhaps at Halloween it becomes even more special. Barred Owls are the classic "stereotypical" owl that everyone conjures up, and the voice fits the profile too. We had one locally all winter and many children, and adults for that matter, had their first encounter with an owl by seeing this bird. It is a problem in the west, where it has expanded its range in recent years, for it preys on the smaller resident and highly endangered Northern Spotted Owl, as you point out. I have seen many Barred Owls, a Spotted Owl never.

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  2. Sallie (FullTime-Life)November 3, 2019 at 8:46 AM

    Lovely pictures of the beautiful owl! What a great visitor to have on Halloween. Thanks for the link to your earlier post, which I enjoyed reading. Our daughter and SIL keep chickens and have remarked on their personalities .

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  3. Hootin AnniNovember 4, 2019 at 12:37 PM

    Barred owls are my favorite. And the kitty pumpkin is just fangtastic

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  4. Fun60November 4, 2019 at 1:00 PM

    How fortunate you are to see such a beautiful creature as this.

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  5. Carol @Comfort Spring StationNovember 4, 2019 at 2:18 PM

    Gorgeous owl and I love the cat pumpkin!

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  6. DeniseinVANovember 4, 2019 at 7:11 PM

    Great pictures of the owl, a lovely visitor I would be very happy to receive and I also love that pumpkin :)

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  7. Photo CacheNovember 4, 2019 at 7:31 PM

    Love, love, love the pumpkin carving!

    Worth a Thousand Words

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  8. Lady FiNovember 4, 2019 at 9:55 PM

    Wow - fabulous! How lucky to see the owl so close up.

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  9. AngieNovember 6, 2019 at 6:41 PM

    How blessed you are to have this owl as a neighbor, and one that let you get some lovely shots! The inky eyes get me - you can almost imagine falling into them! Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  10. colleenNovember 13, 2019 at 6:23 AM

    Such a close encounter! I'd love to see that cat pumpkin lit up.

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  11. carol l mckennaNovember 13, 2019 at 7:11 AM

    Love the owl and great pumpkin photos ~ ^_^

    Happy Day to You,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  12. MarjaNovember 13, 2019 at 10:23 AM

    Oh super photos That beautiful owl looks like a grey haired lady How precious to see him from your window. Love the gorgeous pumpkin

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  13. stardustNovember 18, 2019 at 1:16 AM

    You’re so fortunate to have seen wild owl so close up. The owl sits with mysterious aura. In my country owls are thought not only to be wise but also to bring happiness. Quite recently Owl café is getting popular for relaxing. I hesitate to go there though I’d like to encounter them in nature. How cool the cat pumpkin carving! I think crows are also wiser.

    Yoko

    ReplyDelete

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