DECEMBER 2010
A write-in candidate flew past its competitors to become the state's top bird in an online contest held by the Audubon Society's California chapter last year.
The barn owl, common in San Diego, secured almost 70 percent of 20,000 votes to win the title. It beat out six candidates that included the California condor and western snowy plover.
The barn owl is a fascinating bird, well deserving of this recognition, It is great to see people appreciate barn owls, and all raptors.
Today instead of poisoning or shooting barn owls, people are paying to have nest boxes built and installed around their homes with the hope of attracting wild owls to their property.
I bet you all knew that already!