Yesterday, Aug. 3 was our once per year total pond clean out day. A very yucky,
messy job to be sure but one made easier by the presence of an apparent adult
Long-eared Owl that roosted all day in the globe willow tree directly above the
pond. The owl adjusted on it's branch (about 20 feet up), a few times in the 4
hours we were working, but never flew, even though my wife, son and I made
little attempt to be discreet. Long-eared Owls have nested within a half mile of
our Rancho Reata property, and have been heard at night, but this is only the
third time that one has actually visited us. I say "adult," but I am not
certain that young LEOW might not look like adults by August.

Sounds like fall migration is starting...

Good birding to all,

Tony Greager