While out birding I was surprised to come across a Long-eared Owl. It was perched in a tree, it just stared at me like they always do. I quickly took a couple of shots. A few thin branches were between the owl and I, but that is how it goes sometimes. As I was walking away, a glance to the left of the owl, there was another Long-eared Owl. A couple shots of that one and I left the area, the owls still perched as I found them. It was a cloudy gloomy day with a mild breeze, temps around 30 degrees. Images were taken on February 6, 2019.

Long-eared Owl
Binomial name: Asio otus
Category: Typical Owls
Size: 15” long, 36” wing span
Weight: 9 oz
Note: A proficient hunter, the Long-eared Owl catches mice in complete darkness by using sound to locate its prey!



Long-eared Owl, the 2nd one found…