I drove up to Sax-Zim Bog this morning arriving a bit before sunrise. I thought it might be a good morning for owling due to these reasons:

• Two nights ago it rained (owls do not hunt in the rain … thus might still be hungry)
• The forecast for the hours at sunrise was light winds and clouds (ideal for owls)

I failed BIG time in terms of finding any Great Gray Owls. There were some factors I could not have predicted, but meant my local owl population made themselves well hidden in the deep for rest:

• Four Bald Eagles were hunting at my primary owling grounds
• Two Rough-Legged Hawks were hunting at my primary owling grounds

These six raptors spell trouble for Great Grays. Thus, I failed, but did see some cool hawks and eagles. My birding also yielded a few magpies and snow buntings. Finally, this Ruffed Grouse was strutting its stuff on the connector road between Admiral and McDavitt Roads. Thus, it was a fun morning, just not what I expected.