Great Horned Owl in Okotoks

Great Horned Owl

An accidental bird watching day as we went for a stroll along the river in Okotoks today when there in a tree right along the pathway was a newly fledged Great Horned Owl chick with mum or dad hanging out in a tree just behind.

As they were totally not bothered by us we were able to get right under them for a few snaps and enjoyed watching them for a little while.  Our presence was barely acknowledged by the adult but the owlet kept a wary eye on us.

Stopping by a nearby pond in the early afternoon we also had a quick spotting of the Northern Shoveller and Killdeer as well as three new birds for us; the Spotted Sandpiper, American Wigeon and Blue Winged Teal.

The pond was also being frequented by a flock of Red-Winged Blackbirds and a pair of Canada Geese with chicks.