Just above the Mason Dixon Line and near my home, I had a wonderful surprise on my way over to the Codorus State Park to try to once again photograph the flock of wild turkeys. One of my Long-eared Owls (of two, one in Pennsylvania and one in Maryland) was out and about hunting his morning breakfast. Just as I rounded a corner a bird dove from a nearby leafless tree to the side of the road and just in front of me to pounce on and then consume his meal. At first I thought it was a GHO but as I got closer I was able to confirm the ID of a Long-eared Owl. It was just after civil twilight in the predawn light and he was just in the arc of my headlights not 15 feet away giving me an ample and positive view of his behavior.
I immediately stopped and watched him for a few minutes before he flew back into the shadows of a nearby tree. with all of the intrigue, I completely forgot about the camera on the seat beside me and cursed myself for not making an attempt to try to photograph this bird with the light from my vehicle.. "Live and Learn". I believe this owl to be one from a roost about a 1/3 to a 1/2 mile away across a large grassland, woodlot and back road. I guess this would be within his hunting territory. If it is another owl then even better. But then, I will probably not see this again in a hundred years.
Jim
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