Barn-Owl
My friend and I went to the Somass Estuary yesterday, hoping to see some migratory birds, but it looked like we were a little early. All I managed to get was t...
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My friend and I went to the Somass Estuary yesterday, hoping to see some migratory birds, but it looked like we were a little early. All I managed to get was this Barn Owl in, of all places, an abandoned barn.
The Somass Estuary is considered the top birding spot in the Alberni Valley and can be accessed by roads & trails along the Somass River . Just outside of Port Alberni, a full day can be spent viewing the birds, animals & plants among the variety of natural & man-made habitats along the river and into the estuary.
Studies of the estuary identified 204 plant species, 20 species of special significance and nine different plant communities – showing more diversity than most estuary environments. It has the farthest northern extent of Oregon ash, the Arbutus and Chocolate lilies in spring.
It is one of the most important sites on Vancouver Island for wintering and migratory waterfowl. Over 100 species of birds use the area for wintering, staging or resting-feeding, including Trumpeter Swan and Great Blue Heron. Bald Eagle & Great Horned Owl nest in the spruce woods and as my photograph attests Barn Owls.
Many mammals have been observed in the estuary, including Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Beaver, Mink, Red Squirrel, Raccoon, Vagrant Shrew, Townsend’s Vole, Deer Mouse, Muskrat, River Otter and bats.
There are five species of Pacific Salmon in the Somass River – Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Chum and Pink, as well as summer and winter steelhead runs.
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The Somass Estuary is considered the top birding spot in the Alberni Valley and can be accessed by roads & trails along the Somass River . Just outside of Port Alberni, a full day can be spent viewing the birds, animals & plants among the variety of natural & man-made habitats along the river and into the estuary.
Studies of the estuary identified 204 plant species, 20 species of special significance and nine different plant communities – showing more diversity than most estuary environments. It has the farthest northern extent of Oregon ash, the Arbutus and Chocolate lilies in spring.
It is one of the most important sites on Vancouver Island for wintering and migratory waterfowl. Over 100 species of birds use the area for wintering, staging or resting-feeding, including Trumpeter Swan and Great Blue Heron. Bald Eagle & Great Horned Owl nest in the spruce woods and as my photograph attests Barn Owls.
Many mammals have been observed in the estuary, including Columbian Black-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Beaver, Mink, Red Squirrel, Raccoon, Vagrant Shrew, Townsend’s Vole, Deer Mouse, Muskrat, River Otter and bats.
There are five species of Pacific Salmon in the Somass River – Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Chum and Pink, as well as summer and winter steelhead runs.
Read less
Oct, 2017Views
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laurenkaymyers
October 24, 2017
Wow! What an excellent capture of this beautiful Barn Owl. I love your description of the Somass Estuary. It sounds like a spot I would be visiting often.
blunder
October 25, 2017
Thanks Lauren. It is a special place. The other side of the river goes past downtown Port Alberni and when we stoped at th Quay to have lunch we were supprised to see black bears fishing for salmon on the side of the river that we had just been on. And like I've said before, I would be happy to be your guide should you ever get out here.
Platinum
Eddieuuu071
February 23, 2018
Thank you for submitting your wonderful photo to my Owls Challenge! Best of luck!
Cali_Wine_Fan
July 06, 2019
Thank you for the great description of the Somass Estuary! I will definitely go when I am in the area
blunder
July 06, 2019
Your welcome, but watch out for bears. Make lots of noise and carry a whistle.
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