An Owl

Tonight, I encountered an Eastern Screech Owl in the barn.

I went to the barn for evening feeding and to lock up for the night. As I entered, I noticed several ewes standing in a circle, fixated on an object on the floor. At first glance, I assumed the dogs had found something to drag around and left it in the middle of the ewe enclosure.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed the object had eyes, and my mind raced with alarming thoughts—what if one of the ewes had an abortion, and this was some alien birth that would take over Hollidaysburg? Then I noticed that the creature had a dead bird in its claws and was clicking. My fears quickly subsided as I realized it was an owl.

The owl supported its body on its stretched, speckled wings. It was about 8 inches tall and had a reddish-brown, rufous-orange coloration. I knew I had to act, so I carefully grabbed the owl with my leather gloves and returned it to the upper barn.

Upon later inspection, I found the owl still perched on a hay bale, and the dead bird had already been devoured.

January 11, 2022