Those Eyes, A Big Surprise

I posted these photos on Facebook today.   They're not pretty but kind of sent me into awe for a short while.   I've lived here over 10 years and have never seen an owl that I recall.   I've heard them at times, at night, but never saw one until today.   And it was around Noon.   I looked out to check on the chickens because it was getting pretty hot, then noticed a different colored large bird grab something near the donkeys' far fence.   Hmmmm, I wondered, what is that?   The best way to see anything at a distance is to grab my camera with the 300mm zoom.   I walked outside and slowly toward the fence to open the gate.   It looked like an owl so I kept creeping forward a few feet at a time, taking photos of course!!   The owl started to get concerned so he grabbed his prey and tried to fly away with it.   He didn't get far so I guess it was too heavy to carry.   I finally got close enough to get these photos and just then a couple of vultures flew over.   The owl dropped his prey and few into the oak tree.   I didn't see him again.   I wasn't sure what he had so I went out later to check.   I didn't have to get too close because I could smell it.   A skunk.   I have smelled one the past few nights so maybe that's the one.   Anyway, I'm sure the owl or the vultures will come back at an opportune time and clean it up.   Harry and Gunny were out all day.   I'm not sure what they are going to say about a stinky dead skunk in their far paddock.   I'm just glad it's not in an area where the dogs can get it when they're out running around.

This owl seems to have something wrong with one of his eyes and I think it makes him look creepy.   That, and the blood on his face.  Big disgrace.   Wavin' your banner all over the place.    Of course I have to throw in a little Queen here because it makes sense....those of you on Facebook, I have found a video to accompany this story.   You're Welcome.

Cropped down so you can see his eye.   Do you think he's blind in that eye?   Maybe that's why he's out in the daytime.   I don't know owls but I am pretty sure they are supposed to be out at night.

What a big surprise....and those eyes!