The Barred Owl at Harvard.

Walking in Cambridge yesterday afternoon, I saw this large barred owl:

The barred owl of Harvard.

Here’s another view, with poor lighting:

I’ve seen just three owls beforehand, always a quick glimpse in the woods and never very close.  This one was perched by the street in a dense suburban area.  Owls of course are reputed to be very wise, and perhaps this explains its decision to perch near the Harvard libraries and lecture halls.  At Yale there is a famous tobacconist and cigar store called The Owl Shop.  Mind you, I’ve never seen an actual owl there.

The Owl Shop, in New Haven, Connecticut.

I watched the Harvard owl for ten minutes.  It appeared more sleepy than wise and utterly uninterested in me.