Earlier this summer three of us had my tipi set up in the trees at the edge of Moose Park, high in Montana’s Little Belt Mountains. A large owl was hunting in the area, moving from one vantage point to another in a several hundred yard circuit along the edge of the timber. He was doing really well, frequently taking what appeared to be mice from the tall grass. One of his perches was at the edge of our camp. Every time he caught something, he’d fly with it back into heavy timber, then return to his hunting circuit. This owl had the size and markings of a great horned owl but lacked those “horns” over the eyes. Does anyone out there know what kind of owl this was? I’ve been calling it “he” but maybe it was a she? Or were we actually watching a pair take turns?
We watched this hunting activity for three or four days, then, after a hard rainstorm, no more owl. We never saw another owl for the rest of our time in camp.
What was that all about? Why would a predator with an obviously successful hunting circuit suddenly stop? Is there another predator up there that preys on owls?
If you can shed light on my owl mystery or have similar experiences to share, please join me “Around the Campfire” by submitting your comments and stories by clicking here.
We watched this hunting activity for three or four days, then, after a hard rainstorm, no more owl. We never saw another owl for the rest of our time in camp.
What was that all about? Why would a predator with an obviously successful hunting circuit suddenly stop? Is there another predator up there that preys on owls?
If you can shed light on my owl mystery or have similar experiences to share, please join me “Around the Campfire” by submitting your comments and stories by clicking here.
Comments
A visitor read this missive about the mysterious owl, and submitted this comment:
Ms. Dixon says, “I do know, the owl in your picture is a Great Gray Owl, although I'm not sure if that is a photo of the one you saw hunting. As for the hunting activity of the owls, it may well have been an adult pair, and probably a fledgling as well, as this is how they behave when they are teaching their young how to hunt. Also, it's no surprise that they left the area, as they usual have several hunting grounds that they will rotate through.”
Ms. Dixon says, “I do know, the owl in your picture is a Great Gray Owl, although I'm not sure if that is a photo of the one you saw hunting. As for the hunting activity of the owls, it may well have been an adult pair, and probably a fledgling as well, as this is how they behave when they are teaching their young how to hunt. Also, it's no surprise that they left the area, as they usual have several hunting grounds that they will rotate through.”
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