> I reported the Great Horned Owl at the Fill. I had a good look at it
> with a spotting scope before 50 crows mobbed it. It sat on a snag for
> about 30 seconds after it flushed. It was as large or larger than its
> tormentors with "prominent widely spaced ear tufts". Not a No-eared, sorry
> Short-eared Owl. I cannot say much about its color it was cloudy
> (Seattle in December) and getting dark. The Owl may not have been
> on the ground very long before I saw it.

One of the pair of Great Horned Owls living at the Fields, OR Oasis
seems to enjoy roosting on the ground, looking from the rear more
like a cat than an owl. And one near the field station seems to
like sitting on a rock.

So I don't think it's all that wierd to see one sitting on the
ground.

- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>