This Great Horned Owl, I think it was, seemed sure dinner or something of equal interest was under this tree. It was raining lightly, but he swooped down from 75 yards away to investigate. He circled the little piñon for something like 15 minutes. The photo at the lower left shows his reaction when he finally stuck his head into the branches. He circled some more but ultimately backed off. After the owl left, I didn’t feel like poking in there either. And for the owl, I’m sure it was just the evening’s first act.
Owls apparently are less wary of guys in funny hats than what strikes back at you from under a tree. Here are few more shots, out of sequence.
dream ranch 