[Maine-birds] Great Gray Owl - Stud Mill Rd.

With the recent discussion on MEBirds about the real or perceived "harassment," or potential "harassment," of certain birds I hesitate to post this, but, there was a Great Gray Owl seen along the Stud Mill Rd. this morning.  It was perched on a dead snag in a frozen marshy area 1.3 to 1.5 miles east of the County Rd., Stud Mill Rd. intersection.  I believe the location would be in Hancock County just past the Milford town line.  The bird was easily seen from the road.

I'm hardly perfect myself in terms of not getting too close to a bird.  I'm a bit over eager and excited at times, but I do try to do better and I completely agree with Bill Hancock's post.  Hopefully any one going there will follow the advice given by Bob Duchesne and others in regards to viewing a bird like this - keep a respectful distance and do no harm and, like me, try to do better.     

If you go to look for this bird, I'd like to make these recommendations;

1) Stay in your vehicle.  The owl was not far from the road this morning and you can take photos from there and eat potato chips and drink coffee or something at the same time.

2) Be aware that the Stud Mill Rd. is an active logging road.  Logging trucks have the right away.  It is an ICY road too.  Bring sand in your vehicle in case you go off the road.

3) Take a beginning Birder with you if you know one.  This bird is a real beauty.

Good Birding and Good Luck,

John