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Trip Report

Illahee State Park — Wednesday, May. 14, 2025

Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula

I had a magical experience today while enjoying the trails up from the beach and through the forest at the top of the plateau.  More than one Bard Owl was hooting back and forth high in the trees, and eventually they presented themselves - all 3 of them!  They were flying back and forth amongst the trees and proudly standing in full view as they hooted away at each other.  I hear them frequently but this was only the second time that I've ever seen an owl in the wild!

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Comments

mcguire_ep on Illahee State Park

That's "Barred", and it's an easy mistake to make. I've seen that type twice myself elsewhere. They are mesmerizing! You might have seen a family!

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mcguire_ep on May 14, 2025 07:32 PM

RideDive on Illahee State Park

Right you are! Barred refers to what appear as bars along the underside of the wings, I was surprised to capture that with my phone in the unfocused milli-second when it flew past me.

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RideDive on May 14, 2025 09:07 PM

RideDive on Illahee State Park

I love their, "Who cooks the food, who cooks the food," call.

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RideDive on May 14, 2025 09:08 PM

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Joseph Gonzalez on May 15, 2025 07:49 AM

Serpentine on Illahee State Park

I love that they “presented themselves”. So nicely put!

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Serpentine on May 15, 2025 11:57 AM

wafflesnfalafel on Illahee State Park

that is super cool, once in a lifetime occurrence

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wafflesnfalafel on May 15, 2025 03:18 PM