[Birdtalk] Owl Mystery Solved

[Kristin Purdy]

I visited Willard Bay State Park in Box Elder County briefly this afternoon 
and finally saw the owl that has likely been leaving whitewash and pellets 
in various places at the north end of the park, especially in Willow Creek 
Campground #1--it's a Great Horned Owl. This afternoon the owl was perched 
in the gnarled tree in campsite #39, which is just two campsites away from 
#1. Coincidentally, the bird perched in the same tree where I saw a Bewick's 
Wren about a month ago.

The campground hosts have begun to feed birds at campsite #1. I didn't check 
the other spot near the west end of the day use parking lot, but I assume 
they're feeding there, too. I've also been sprinkling seed along the brushy 
edges of Willow Creek Campsite #15 because I always see sparrows and quail 
scratching there. Last year, a Harris's Sparrow and Mumps the Squirrel hung 
out there with the other species. Campsite #1 attracted two White-throated 
Sparrows. Perhaps any of the three feeding spots will snag some goodies 
again this year.

Willard Bay State Park is located at I-15 exit 357. Willow Creek Campground 
is closed to vehicle traffic for the season. However, you can still access 
the whole park by parking in the nature trail day use parking lot and 
walking wherever you'd like.

Kris