A few surprises were found along the Shepaug River on a recent trip to Steep Rock Preserve in Washington. A beautiful photograph of a bald eagle was captured by Mr. Swanson and just before that Mr. Fappiano photographed a barred owl sitting ominously on a tree branch. Almost devastated by chemical use decades ago, the bald eagle has made a dramatic comeback and is a common site during the winter as it searches for fish along Connecticut waterways. The barred owl is a hoot in many ways. Also known as the hoot owl, it can live in tree cavities and feeds on small mammals. The owl is a musical genius with a distinctive hooting call that covers eight notes!
~ D. Dunleavy
