I found a Northern Hawk Owl hit on the road a few years back - identified it from its plumage when I checked my Peterson's guide. Last winter we had an influx of Great Grey Owls. I was driving down highway 129 and saw a huge bird flapping about in the snow. My first thought was that it was a vulture, but they don't stay over the winter here. Besides, it was the wrong colour. As I drove by it flew up onto a telephone pole. I stopped and went back for a closer look, and saw what it was immediately. Enormous birds!
Later on CBC there were several phoned-in sightings of Great Greys, and the Ministry of Natural Resources asked people to report them to the office. I saw four separate owls that year in just the little area where I drove.
I wouldn't call myself a birder, though I do like to identify what I'm hearing or seeing. The bird feeder's a good idea, as long as it's out of Sam's and Lilith's reach!