[pct-l] Owl Attack

[Jensen Family billsuej@comcast.net]

I did a trail run this evening in Forest Park, which is located in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon.  It was dusk, right around 7:00 PM.  All of a sudden, it was smacked in the back of the head.  I didn't hear a thing, or see a thing.  I figured it was some type of creature - but I was clue less as to what.  About a 100 yards up the trail, it happened again.  I turned and saw an 18-24" tall owl sitting in an adjacent tree.  I screamed and yelled - and he just stared back.  I proceeded to walk backwards up the trail until I felt safe, and then resumed running.  No blood was drawn, but I am sure he could have scalped me had he wanted to.  I am not sure if I have seen an owl outside of a zoo - and I know that I never saw one on the entire length of the PCT.

My question is this - does anyone have any idea why he knocked me in the head???  Has anyone else had a similiar experience ??

Bill Jensen - PCT '77