Barred Owl

We are fortunate to have barred owls nest near our house every year. After many generations they are used to having us around giving me some wonderful owl watching experiences. I threw a snake near this owl and it showed keen interest. Snake seems to be a favourite, especially for the chicks – perhaps because they are easier to catch than rodents.

Bright-eyed

A favourite bird species of mine that lives year round in our forest. For years I knew it as a Rufous-sided Towhee but in 1995 it was discovered that it was slightly different to the eastern (North America) species and our version is now called the Spotted Towhee. It is also sometimes called an Oregon Towhee so a potential identity crisis for the bird. Fortunately it doesn’t come to any of those names so perhaps not a problem.