We got up at 6:00 AM this morning and went to Northrup Canyon (7 miles
West of Grand Coulee) to see if there were any Eastern Kingbirds. We
were told that they show up in that area. We didn't see any, but on our
way out, Sandy said " I wonder if there is a owl in those thick stunted
fir trees." It was an area we had checked several times before.
I said " Naaa." We went about ten steps farther down the trail--I took a
last look and--there it was--a SHORT-EARED OWL about 30 feet from us! It
was at eye level sitting on a bare branch in the open facing straight at
us. What seemed unusual to us was that it was light grey in color. The
facial disk was off-white or creamy-white. Instead of the "Ear" tufts
being gray and black--they were almost white and black. When we got home
I read that the males can be a lighter color. Maybe that is what we saw.
I got several good pictures--I hope.

It was a nice way to start the day.

Jerry and Sandy Converse
Grand Coulee, WA