Nevertheless, I did not “chase” this hawk owl sighting. I left that to others who are more mobile than I. Quite a few people saw it, and some drove a considerable distance for the opportunity. So exceptional is the appearance of this owl, which Crossley describes as an “inhabitant of open spruce forest or taiga.” Little of that type of habitat exists in North Dakota.
Some posted excellent pictures, bearing out Crossley’s comment about this bird: “Sits at top of trees, with condescending glare.”
Fortunately for North Dakota birders, the hawk owl is a little less fussy about winter habitat, frequenting more open country. The requisite element for hawk owls is isolated perches with pretty much unobstructed views. Often, these are the very top of evergreen trees, but other trees serve, as well. The first hawk owl I saw was on a powerline pole overlooking a tributary of the Pembina River just a little less than 17 miles south of the 49th parallel. This week’s sighting was even closer to Canadian territory but a little farther west of the Red River.