Way back in 1985 (or was it 1885?) when we first moved out here, we were
treated to a Great Horned Owl pair that nested across they creek where we
could monitor the nest with our scope from the front window. There's a house
standing where the nest tree was now. Although I never considered the GHOW
extinct from the Aspen Run area, since then sightings have been rare.
    Today I was curious to see what kind of shape the creek was in and found
it barely in its banks. At one point it had jumped out over night. At
another it formed a new island which may become permanent. So I was taking
all this in as I walked down into a wooded area and was immediately
distracted by some noisy crows nearby. That's always something you need to
pay attention to. My first checks for raptors, revealed nothing but broken
off limbs. Then I saw one of the crows dive low. There it was, just about 6
feet off the ground - a Great Horn. It moved three times while I followed,
escorted each time by the crows. The last flight took it out of sight.
    Locating owls during the breeding season is always nice. There is a lot
of private property here and some of it is posted but I will make an effort
to find a nest.
    Also had some bluebirds down near the creek, which reminds me - folks it
is time to get those boxes up. Mine will go up today.
    As I walked home, I couldn't help but reflect how nice it was of those
crows to escort the owl around like that. I'm sure he'll be safe with such
nice friends to look out for him.
    As if there would be anything crazy enough to try to eat a Great Horn. I
don't think even the neighborhood cougars would try it. They are here
y'know. ;-)
    Jerry Tarbell
    Carroll County