Dave & Bonnie’s Lifer Yard Bird (Contest)

Our friend Dave texted me April 14, 2024, to tell me he had a Short-eared Owl flying across the marsh in front of his house. He lives on a channel of the Grand River in Grand Haven. After a few texts back and forth he decided to open up his yard to everyone on the local WhatsApp. He asked that those attending be quiet. Can you imagine about 15 birders quietly waited about an hour anticipating seeing the Short-eared Owl? Yes, those talking were whispering. As the evening went on, two Short-eared Owls appeared. All of us watched them fly back and forth and even were lucky to get some aerial photos. For Dave and Bonnie this was the first time they have seen the owls from their yard. For others they were lifers. For us they were a great year bird and a chance to experience this with other birders.