Whoooooo's Visiting Lubberland Creek?

Great Gray Owl at Lubberland Creek Preserve © M. Oktay Kaya

Visitors to our Lubberland Creek Preserve on Great Bay were recently hiking the Sweet Trail near Dame Road in Durham when they saw a strange bird. The couple informed local Conservancy staff that they had spotted what they believed to be a Great Gray Owl. Standing between two and three feet in height, this is the largest owl found in North America. Residents of the far north, these birds are rare in New England, with the last sighting said to be in Massachusetts nearly 20 years ago. The Great Gray Owl uses nests created by other birds in large trees with dense foliage and has declined over the years due to habitat loss. The exciting find was shared with local birders, who then went and confirmed that the bird had indeed taken up residence at our preserve. We choose to take it as an endorsement of the value of our work that this striking owl has come to visit, if not make a home. And with him the local community that is coming to explore and have a great experience. A dry erase board has appeared near the pull-off on Dame Road on which bird enthusiasts and curious visitors alike share the date, time and sightings of the feathered celebrity. It makes for a creative way to once again bring together people and nature and foster a sense of place.  

The New Hampshire Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is fortunate enough to not only have several staff members with photographic talents, but many members who are incredible behind the lens as well. Bruce E. Goodwin of Kingston and M. Oktay Kaya of Exeter are two avid birders who captured the Great Gray Owl on film. Click here to view a slideshow of their photos of this magnificent bird.