My wife, Molly (the non birder), noticed our visitor first. I have been telling friends I would consider this Winter an owl irruption in Northeastern Minnesota when and if we had a yard bird Great Gray Owl. This evening that historic event occurred! The photographs and video were taken after sunset.
I am actually falling way behind on potential posts. This afternoon in a little over one hour I saw five owls … including two species including a Boreal Owl. Regardless … Rich’s Yard Bird Great Gray Owl (video link for blog email subscribers)
And some still images of our visitor. In the final image, the owl did not move far but was no longer to obtain a contrast against the evening sky … 
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Congratulations on your awesome visitor.
I’ve got a sudden case of yard bird envy! The adult male red-breasted grosbeak and the Philadelphia vireo that I consider my top yard birds somehow pale by comparison.
You don’t want to know how many Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks I get “at once” at my house. I am very lucky to live where I do … not just in northeastern Minnesota but my specific location.
Thanks for sharing, Rich!
I was just searching online to see what others are seeing. This cold front seems to have really pushed an irruption of Great Grays south of their typical wintering habitat. Yesterday (Jan 5), on my way home from visiting a Boreal Owl, I found three Great Grays hunting the shoulder of hwy 61 between Knife River and Duluth. Hoping these owls find safer hunting grounds inland. Another couple I was chatting with found nine Great Grays in a few hours on the outskirts of Two Harbors.
Unfortunately Highway 61 is not a good spot for the owls, or birders. I found a dead Great Gray Owl this morning which had obviously been hit by a car. Owls do not understand cars.
Oh wow! What a special visitor. Good spying, Molly! Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful yard bird!!