I just saw a gray phase E. screech owl, about 150 yards from my house about 
25 minutes ago!  It was in the road as I was coming home, and I might have 
run over it had I not been searching for night creatures.  I am certain 
someone else would have nailed it unless they stopped like I did and waited 
for it to move.  It was hunkered down and I did not even recognize it was a 
bird at first, let alone an owl.  When I saw it I thought it might be a dead 
squirrel all balled up, and then suddenly it popped its head up!  I thought it 
may have been wounded, since it didn't fly right away.  I had a great look at 
it from about 20 feet in my headlights, but couldn't tell why it was there.  
Maybe it caught an insect and was eating it intently when I came up on it.   
After about 20 seconds it flew a short distance.  I hardly ever see them to 
begin with, but I have never seen a gray one here, they have all been reds.  
Very cool!

I also saw a pair of glossy ibis tonight at dusk, flying down the river.

Regards-
Jeff Shenot
Croom MD