The other night Deneen and I went out to shovel the driveway at about 9pm. We have a very long driveway and were walking out to start at the far end when we heard a Great Horned Owl hooting from not far away. Having heard of people hooting back to get the animal to come closer I did so. After a few exchanges of hoots it did indeed fly much closer and landed in a large tree right in front of us. We hooted to each other a few more times while it stared at us. It was quite large with wide wings. It then flew toward us, almost directly above, took a sharp right and went off.
After shoveling loudly for and hour (long driveway) we noticed the owl in another tree on the edge of the field. We watched it for some time scanning the ground for prey.
It felt good to be recognized by a wild animal like that. Another reminder to go outside because thats where the cool things happen.
I also got a picture of an Easter Coyote on the game camera for the first time.

Love the owl story, and outdoors is indeed “where the cool things happen”. Great to see a coyote on the camera trap too. I’m hoping for one of those myself.
Thanks. The best way to catch a coyote on the camera trap is at the remains of another animal, even if it is an old predation site. Coyotes and other preditors even visit old bones.