Bird Watching: Bird ID needed..., 1 by beckygardener

beckygardener wrote:
OPBirder - Thanks! The Hawks seem so smart to me, too, as do the Owls. They are "watchers" due to their predatory nature.

I had posted this photo earlier this year on this forum, but thought I would post it again. I believe this was ID'd as a Screech Owl. I can't remember now. Once again, the rats bring these predator birds right into my yard. This Owl is sitting on the Hummingbird feeder sheperd's hook nex to the back of my house right next to the screen porch. I walked right up to him (or her) and took this photo. I was just a few feet away. It then took off and I never even heard it's wings flap. They have sleath flight. Another truly beautiful bird! Those big curious eyes make them look so intelligent. I am sure they are! I am amazed that they let me get so close to them. This isn't the first time I've gotten close-up photos of these owls. There is a family of at least 3 living in my area. I have an old photo somewhere of one sitting right on top of the bird feeder just like the Hawk in the first photos. :-)

This photo was taken this past winter.