MD Osprey:

Matt sent me this on 2/17 and has granted permission to post it on MD 
Osprey. If anyone has news on this, in addition to MD Osprey, please let 
Matt know at

         "Matt Nolan" <>.

He is not on MD Osprey.

Thanks.

Phil


At 21:35 02/17/2006, Matt Nolan wrote:

Hi,
     My name is Matt Nolan and I'm a graduate student in Boston, and I 
happened to be in DC this week. I enjoy birds and pay particular attention 
to birds of prey, my interest is really an outgrowth of running in wooded 
areas and so most of my sightings are based on sight. I was in Washington 
this week for several interviews and was staying at the corner of 14th and 
M. On Wednesday evening I was walking back from the Dupont Circle Metro at 
about 10:00 pm talking on the phone with my wife as I walked. As I passed 
through Scott Circle between 15th and 16th, I saw a white flash out of the 
corner of my eye. My first reaction was that it was a seagull based on the 
white underside. Seeing how low it was (about 15-20 feet off the ground) I 
turned and got a good look at a large white bird with the distinctive 
barrel shape of an owl. I followed it as it flew toward the top of the JHU 
SAIS building on the northwest corner of the circle. I guessed at a Snowy 
Owl, but considering the distance south and the city environment I 
discounted it. I didn't have a bird book with me, but consulting my 
National Audubon Society Field Guide when I got home I cannot figure that 
this was anything else than a Snow Owl based on the size and color. I also 
noticed reports of a Snowy Owl at Dulles recently. I'm just wondering if 
I'm completely off my rocker or if I actually did see a Snowy Owl on 
Massachusetts Ave NW in Washington, DC. I'm primarily wondering if there 
have been any other sightings in the district and if I might actually have 
seen what I think I saw. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have.

Best,
Matt



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Phil Davis      Davidsonville, Maryland     USA
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