I'm posting this since the readership on tweeters is much more extensive than in SE Alaska, in hopes of finding those who might have had a similar experience. Thanks in advance for any input.

Bruce Paige
Sequim (for a week more-Gustavus, AK)

Just a mention of a bizarre bird incident I've never seen before. I was walking on the beach E of the Gustavus Dock this morning, when my golden retriever headed for a bit of movement she spotted on top of a small rye grass "hammock" out in the open. My first thought was "Oh, oh" as I know the mischief she can quickly get into in this land of coyotes, wolves, and many other things! She approached the spot, then backed off, and I could see a flutter of bodies on the ground. Fortunately, instead of getting closer, she returned to me and I snapped the leash on her. Walking ahead, I discovered two Great Horned Owls locked together by talons. They were apparently in a ferocious struggle, and I suspect had been fighting in that position for the few hours since the night before as the sad red stains all about attested. I moved to try to separate them, and they broke apart with some effort and took flight, one disappearing into the far spruce, the other landing in a small conifer nearby, obviously in poor shape. I noted one was a juvenile, the other an adult. What caused these two predators to get into this situation? Did one try to make breakfast out of the other? Was it a territorial matter? You never know what you'll run into out there!