I tried to locate the Northern Hawk Owl on Monday and Tuesday without success despite the help of Paul Wieczorek and his dog. I returned to Waterbury Center this afternoon, however, and found the owl about 3 P.M. The bird was perched at the top of a large spruce tree to the east of route 100 and just south of the entrance to Gregg Road. I got a pretty good look at the NHO from a private driveway, but was precariously located just off route 100 and its busy traffic. I returned to Gregg Road and could see the bird from there, but it was a long way off.


Taking a cue from Kit Emery I pulled into the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters back parking lot, ignoring the "No Unauthorized Access" sign. From that vantage point I got an excellent look at the NHO through binoculars and my spotting scope (thanks for the tip, Kit).


Bottom line-Ali is right. Persistence pays off and the NHO seems to be faithful to this area, but moves around in search of food. A careful search of good perch sites within a mile or so of where Liz Lackey originally reported the NHO is warranted to find this bird. The daily reports on the VTBird list have been very useful, as well. Thanks to all.


Bruce MacPherson
South Burlington