138 Days until the US Open at Chambers Bay

I have been walking Chambers Creek Properties for years. I have been carrying a camera since 2009. With the US Open coming to the Chambers Bay Golf Course, which is part of the property, I have decided to share a picture each day for the 365 days leading up to the tournament. The US Open is scheduled to begin on June 18, 2015. As of today, we are 138 days away. For a more complete collection of my local photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/maritimeorca/tags/chamberscreekproperties/

Today's Picture:

Taken on January 29, 2015

This is another shot that I will concede is not very good. I have been looking for our Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) for the last month. On Thursday, I had my third sighting. Unlike my other two, this one was seen after sunrise. It found a good hiding place, but I at least had enough light to get something.

Part of the reason that I'm am looking harder than usual for this specific species relates fairly closely to the purpose of this countdown. In preparation for the U.S. Open, the Central Meadow will have to close down. This is going to keep me from watching my favorite Osprey nest. Knowing that Great Horned Owls nest in the park, I was hoping to find that nest to compensate for the loss of the Osprey nest.

I have been going up and down various trails and even working my way off the trail trying to find the nest. The only potential site that I have seen so far was almost directly above the owl in this picture. There appeared to be some sticks on a branch from an adjacent conifer. I could not find an angle to see if there was anything on top.

Since I have already had three sightings in the same general area, I'm fairly confident that sightings will continue. If I'm using the Owls to replace the Ospreys, I should give them the same kind of treatment. I have started a new album on Flickr for this year's Chambers Creek Owl pictures. As of right now, the above shot is the only picture in the album.