This goes to show you that interesting Birds can be found just about anywhere in the Lower Mainland Vancouver. While walking my bike along Lake Trail (From Beaver Lake toward Third Beach), I heard warning sounds of a creature in the shrub to my right. Nature will let you know when a predator is near by, usually crows or squirrels will start acting up, reliable like an early warning system. I looked up through the branches of a large pine tree in the same area as the sounds, noticing a large shape on a branch. Quickly getting out my flash unit, firing it up and testing, I headed through an opening in the shrub to find myself on the opposite side of the large Pine tree I had earlier seen the large shape.
The Owl was very kind to just perch and watched as I made picture after picture - realizing I meant no harm it went back to sleep on the branch.
Strix Varia (Barred Owl) Lake Trail, Stanley Park - winter
The Barred Owl is usually 17 - 24 inches in height, has forward facing, moist brown eyes in a large, brown, puffy-head. Distinguishing features are: barred brown streaks across its chest, just under the throat, and brown streaks running lengthwise on belly. The Barred Owl is quickly taking over the woodlands in this area, replacing the Spotted Owl as it competes for nocturnal prey such as rodents, other birds, reptiles, fish and large insects. The Barred Owl ranges from Canada to Honduras
Other important links
If you have a story or things of interest for the Bulletin Board, drop a line to: "Editor@ernestartist.org"
Comments, suggestions, Outrage? contact tanner@ernestartist.org
© Tanner Photo 2001 to 2008
© Ernestartist 2001 to 2008
All rights reserved.