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I was lucky enough to spend the last week in Florida. One of the birds on my list was the Burrowing Owl. While I was skeptical about finding a burrow or two, I found more that 50 sites.
All constructive comments are appreciated.
To see more pictures of Saw Whet Owls that I have taken please visit my Saw Whet album at www.flickr.com/photos/black_cat_photography/albums/721777...
Long-eared Owls are nimble flyers, with hearing so acute they can snatch prey in complete darkness. In spring and summer, listen for their low, breathy hoots and strange barking calls in the night.The long-eared owl has mottled orange-brown feathers, distinct white eyebrows and striking orange eyes. It has large head feathers or ‘ear tufts’ which become raised when the owl is alarmed; normally the tufts are flattened. It is medium in size, with a wingspan of 95cm. It looks deceptively long and thin when in flight, but is actually no bigger than a wood pigeon.
Interestingly, Long-eared Owls don’t actually have long ears. The tufts perched atop their heads are not ears at all; instead, they are small groups of specialized, long feathers that stand up when the owl is alarmed and in need of camouflage. By resembling sticks, these feather tufts enable them to blend into trees and dense foliage when feeling threatened. Tiny muscles control the rise and relaxation of these tufts.
These nocturnal hunters roost in dense foliage, where their camouflage makes them hard to find, and forage over grasslands for small mammals.
Long-eared owls live in mixed and coniferous woodland, preferring the cover of dense, shrubby thickets, hedgerows and conifer trees. They are found across the UK, although there are fewer birds in Wales and the South West.The species appears to be more abundant in Ireland than it is within Britain, perhaps because of reduced competition from the Tawny Owl,
Long-eared Owls are secretive, nocturnal, and superbly camouflaged. One good way to find them is to listen at night in spring and summer for their long, low hoots. During winter these owls often roost in large numbers, and this can make them easier to find. Methodically search pine stands or shelterbelts near grassland or pasture for roosting owls, often close to the tree trunk among dense branches. Also look along the ground for pellets (gray, roughly oval cylinders of regurgitated fur, feathers, and bone).
Read more at www.wildonline.blog
Mountain Lake Park, SF, CA
All comments regarding this picture, subject, composition, etc are welcome and appreciated. TIA.
To see more pictures of Northern Hawk Owls, please visit my Northern Hawk Owl album at www.flickr.com/photos/black_cat_photography/albums/721576...
To learn more about these magnificent birds please visit www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Hawk_Owl/
So much charisma!
Best viewed full screen.
A common resident Owlet found in forests across the country. They can be often heard during morning / evenings in the forests, but they are kind of active during the day too. The birds are quite predatory in the night and hence the calls attract a variety of birds that gang up and chase the owlets away.
Last winter we explored a new location in the forest - one that had an old temple surrounded by thick trees and streams. And there was a water tower that stands at the height of the trees in the forest. So we climbed up, found it looking back at us.
The Owlet moved several times and sat quietly in some trees - often close to us, but they move so stealthily that we couldn't trace them. But thanks to the Bulbuls and other small birds that were continually harassing these owlets, we sighted them again and again.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves.
Great Horned Owl Parent and Owlets in Wind, Sleet, and Snow, Colorado, 25F/ - 4C, 18 Apr 25, 0850 AM.
I bundled up and went to see how these owls were doing in the cold, wet conditions. They were tucked in tight with their heads down, backs to the wind, new feathers wet, and bearing up. I believe these three owlets hatched about two weeks ago. Only two of the young can be seen in this image.
The parent was most exposed to the weather (head tufts [plumicorns] and wing feathers seen blowing here); protecting the young ones. Poignant to witness. This caring parent remained near doing all to help them survive.
The forecast is for continued periods of snow through tomorrow morning.
Barn Owl head on eye to eye.
