Those of you that enjoy our nature photos, we had a poacher today!

[Omaha Steve]

We have posted pictures of deer, mice, snakes, squirrels, possums, groundhogs, raccoons, dozens of different bird species, insects and more.

On June 30th I posted this: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026926999

We heard 2-3 bird strikes on our glass wall upstairs and immediatly knew there was either an owl or hawk hunting in our back yard about 1/2 hour ago.

We have a pair of barred owls and a few hawks hunting our wildlife. This is the younger hunter in training. S/he was after our squirrel that eats out of our hand I posted about yesterday: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027086520

Marta took these through our basement sliding glass door. S/he could hear us talking and could see the flash and didn't care.

X post in Birder.

OS

[MuseRider]

1. They sure are not very skittish I have found.

I was out late one night throwing hay in to the horse feeders and looked up and one of them was sitting right on the feeder. I must have come close to hitting it with hay. It looked at me and watched as I did my work and only flew away when I closed the car door to leave.

I rarely see them and the Great Horned Owls I almost never see more than their shadows. Lovely photos. I hope it doesn't get your squirrel.

[SamKnause]

2. Hello Omaha Steve.

I always enjoy your nature photos.

I live in rural Ohio on 12 acres surrounded by forests and farmland.

This is the second year I have seen a doe with triplets.

They are in my front yard every morning.

I haven't taken any photos.

P.S. I hope your squirrel stays safe.

[bahrbearian]

3. Not a Poacher, he has a year round license to hunt.

Just keep an eye on the squirrel

[glinda]

4. Wonderful! And no....they don't care.

[Contrary1]

5. We had a Great Horned Owl land in our backyard a few days back...

He hung around for a few minutes munching on something or other, most likely a vole or chipmunk. We seem to have more than a few of those little guys tunneling around.

I had never seen one that close up. What a treat it was. These birds are magnificent.

[Octafish]

6. An amazing creature.

Poor squirrel needs an armored car to get around your yard.

[cwydro]

7. Gosh what a great pic!

I always make a wish when I see wildlife unexpectedly, so I hope you both did!

Owls all over the farm, but I've only spotted them a couple of times.

FanTAStic picture!!!

[catbyte]

8. How awesome! Thanks so much for sharing, OS.

[jtuck004]

9. Oh man, that's great. Thank you. n/t

[uppityperson]

10. Who who, who whooooo. I love barred owls. When they have youngsters, they make so many

hisses and weird noises.

[OnionPatch]

13. Who cooks for you?

That's what my grandma said they were saying. Back east, I've heard the woods so full of their calls that I couldn't sleep.

[AngryAmish]

11. Back in law school we had a breeding pair of great horned owls

Very fat, very happy. Between squirrels and rats, food everywhere.

[stage left]

12. So, so beautiful.

And great pictures by Marta. I had a Great Horned owl fly inches over my head one twilight. One of the great thrills of my life.

[Faryn Balyncd]

14. You make my day, Steve & Marta!

Thank you!

[Tree-Hugger]

15. What a beauty

I love Barred Owls - their eyes are so beautiful.

I've never seen an owl in the wild. I hear them all the time. My husband is good at calling Screech owls and getting them to answer. Every year in late Winter, we get Great Horned Owls who hoot away through the night outside our house, but I have never seen them.

[LiberalElite]

16. Beautiful. eom

[Omaha Steve]

17. Our squirrel made it through the night

S/he is out in the the yard waiting for breakfast.

Yesterday it rained all day and set a record for that date in the area. Right now it is 54 degrees outside. Fall isn't far behind. My favorite time of the year.