I checked out South Whidbey state park today. Nice old growth forest here,
some big trees to gawk at. On the forest discovery trail there was a nice
snag with a large hole in it. As I was admiring this potential homesite,
something moved in my field of view and I refocused my attention on a
screech owl, perched next to the hole. It is the first of these I have ever
seen out during the day. After getting my fill I walked around the corner
and within minute or so I heard crow calls coming from that area behind me.
Soon it was a cacophony of crows, so I guess I was not the only one to see
the owl this day.

Rob Sandelin
Naturalist, Writer, teacher
Snohomish County