At approximately 0900 on 24 April 1974 I was conducting Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) drumming counts near Bacus Hill, approximately 8 km east of Sedro Woolley, Skagit County, Washington. I was startled by an owl that flew past me approximately 50 m away and landed in a Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). In flight the owl appeared dark brown and when it landed I noticed white spots on its back. It flew before I could see the breast, belly or head.