A very fun, unusual photo op with this owl. I have driven by this structure at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for years and never gave it a second thought. As I went by this past Saturday, I noticed something perched on it. Stopping to investigate, I was happy to see this owl hanging out in broad daylight, something that you don’t see very often. It gave me some nice pics before departing for more private environs.
After I got home, I did some research and it turns out this is actually a siren, potentially dating back as far as the 1950s. Given the history of the Arsenal as a chemical weapons plant, I have to wonder what its original, primary purpose was. Perhaps to warn in case of a hazardous material leak? Or security issues? Weather? Whatever it was used for, I am glad to now know what it is.