Seward, Alaska
I received an exciting report of a GREAT GRAY
OWL spotted around 10 am this morning in the cottonwoods along the alley behind
Essential One and Safeway. By the time I arrived, the unusual visitor was gone.
I and three other birders cruised around the area, looking and listening for
upset Jays, Magpies, or Ravens. When looking for a lost bird, anywhere is
possible, and that needle could be in an infinite number of haystacks. We did
not (yet) refind the owl but will keep looking.
While searching for the owl, I discovered two
BALD EAGLES hanging upside down from opposite sides of a spruce branch about
35’ off the ground. It looked like a variation of the classic talon grab gone
bad. The younger bird had a firm grip one of the legs of the older eagle, but I
couldn’t see the other talons. Both birds had tired of holding their wings
closed, and were spread-eagled.
The younger Eagle, however, had not yet tired
of screaming at the other bird, just inches away from its sharp yellow beak.
Fortunately, there was no retaliation or response, just stolid resignation and
regret. A few RAVENS landed nearby to heckle the incapacitated pair with rude
remarks and flew closer with bravado. Ravens are not ones to miss an
opportunity like this!
I was on the cell phone about to contact the
Alaska Sealife Center for rescue when they suddenly managed to break free,
tumbled down then regained control and flew off. Yea! So relieved for the happy
ending!
Keep your eyes peeled for that magnificent
Great Gray Owl!
Tasha noted that owl biologists recommend against using playback
calls when owls are in the early stages of nesting. Playback calls could scare
the owls away and disrupt their establishment of territories and courtship. I don’t think this applies to a lost Great Gray Owl in
the same way, but it is busy trying to find food, shelter, and stay safe. Please
keep this courtesy in mind for the locals including Western Screech Owl, Great
Horned Owls, and Saw-whet Owls.
Magic for us may be a nightmare for them and a
loss for all.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
For a few photos, please visit my blog at http://sporadicbird.blogspot.com/
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