[EBB Sightings] Owls, Eagles, Merlins and Pigeons

Went out to Byron last Tuesday afternoon (sorry for the late post-- 
email difficulties), and the Short-eared Owls were still going  
strong.  I counted five flying at one time, with a couple of others  
on the ground.  This time, I was able to differentiate the males from  
the females.  I didn't realize they were distinct until I noticed  
that some were very pale/white underneath (males) compared to the  
others.  Also, a male treated me, well actually the females, to a  
wing clapping display--Spring was definitely in the air.

When I arrived, a juvenile Golden Eagle was flying low over the field  
to the south, only to be harassed and chased away by one of the owls.

This morning, a Merlin flew over our yard in Alamo.  Also, our flock  
of Band-tailed Pigeons (30+) has some new additions:  begging  
juveniles are hanging out at our feeders with the adults.  Surprising  
to me that juveniles still relying on parents for food would be  
around in winter, but I've subsequently read that Band-tailed Pigeons  
breed year round.

Anyway, Happy Birding!!

Steve