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…
Jim
Great photos! Would love to share the first one in the Birder next month if you would send me one.
It is amazing how the body feathers lool like tree bark! I have not seen that so clearly as in these photos.
Just the most perfect feathered beast. Beautifully captured. I have only seen them 2 times. Thanks for sharing.