Possible Short-Eared Owl in Chilliwack?

[Harrier]

Now don't get too excited about this, but I just wanted to let people know that I saw a bird as I was driving home on the freeway that looked very much like a Short-Eared Owl in flight. It was very light below and rusty red above, which normally wouldn't make me look twice (RT Hawk) but the wingbeats were very unhawk-like. Anyone who has seen a Short-Eared owl in flight will have noticed the very powerful and deep wing strokes. This, paired with the long wings and short body, make it worth a second look to me. I was hurrying home to my family after work so I didn't have time to stop, but if anyone is in the area of the Chilliwack airport it might be worth checking out. I saw the bird between the freeway and the airport. Like I said, I was driving so I only got a very quick look and I know that this would be a very unusual sighting, so don't put too much stock in it.

[Chris]

Short-eared owls can be seen in our area although they are getting tougher to find. I remember Gord saw two of them last year near the airport.

Thanks for sharing it. I frequently drive by that area and I will give it an extra look tomorrow morning.

[Dave]

Short-eared Owls are very possible around Chilliwack Airport. It is probably the best location for them in the past few years. Worth keeping an eye out and thanks for sharing, Harrier!