There is an owl that lives in the pines across from our apartment building.
I love it.
He has greeted me coming home from the gym several nights in a row now. I think we are becoming friends. I did some research and I've narrowed him down to one of two species.
Long Eared Owl
Asio Otus
Their song, heard from January or February to May, is a series of low monotonic hoots at three to five- second intervals. They are often found in southern Idaho, and are rare to see anywhere else in the state.
or...
Great Horned Owl
Bubo Virginianus
Their song is a mellow hooting “ho- ho-hoo hoo hoo” rather like a far-off foghorn or a distant mourning dove. In Idaho, great horned owls are common and widespread except at the very highest elevations. They frequent large trees for shelter (which would make those large pines across from my apt a perfect location).
Either one would really be spectacular to see. Until then... I'll settle for his late night chats.
(information found here)
