Debra LaValley's Blog

Who Cooks for You?

Yesterday, I was out looking for photo opportunities. I was doing my regular eagle loops to check on the local pair, and I always look for owls, deer, or other wildlife. I wasn’t seeing much where I was driving, so I decided to head toward Riverhill. As I was driving, my cell phone received a call from an anonymous number. I didn’t answer; but I did pull over and noticed there was a voicemail. It was from a local bird watcher alerting me of a Barred Owl sighting on Eel Street (very close to my apartment) along the Contoocook River. I headed there and sure enough, a beautiful Barred Owl was perched in a tree. I took a bunch of photos but did not go to close so I would not scare it away. The above photo is my favorite shot. I took this shot after lunch when I went back to Eel street and the owl had flown across the street and was perched on a limb above the river. I pulled over and hid behind a tree and snapped some photos. Not longer after I snapped this shot, a couple kids came down the street and the owl flew off. Unfortunately, I was not ready for a flight shot. The owl flew right by me into the trees across the street.

Kids will be kids. They were excited that there was an owl and made a little bit too much noise. I appreciated that I had the chance to see and photograph the Barred Owl. For those wondering why I entitled this post “Who Cooks for You?” – a Barred Owl’s call can sound like it is saying “Who Cooks for You?” It has been at least a few years since I have taken a photo of an owl. It is always such a pleasure to see one. Luckily, now that I am retired, I am more able to respond to bird sightings in the area!

Enjoy your day!