Tag Archives: Long-eared Owl

One of my birding stops today gave nice views of a Long-eared Owl, in Wisconsin. It was a cold day with temps around 20 degrees, small amounts of sun at times. Image was taken on December 8, 2025.

While birding at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee County I was observing a Long-eared Owl at a distance. Moments later a Red Fox was starting to work it’s way towards the owl. I could tell that something was going to happen as the Red Fox got about 20′ from the roosting owl near the ground the owl flushed. The Long-eared Owl landed near me in a tree. I took a few photos  and left the area. On another note… there was a 2nd Long-eared Owl when got there. It flew away from it’s roosting spot with the other owl and must have spotted a vole or something. Moments later a Rough-legged Hawk came by and snatched the Long-eared Owl off the ground and off they went. I saw a photo of the two in flight, a sad moment for the day. It was a very cold morning with a high around 10, a light breeze but full sun maybe it feel a little better. Images were taken on January 20, 2024.

The Long-eared Owl…

While out birding I came across a Long-eared Owl just perched pretty. I took a couple of quick photos and off I went. It was a beautiful day for November with temps around 40 degrees, full sun and with winds that kicked up once in a awhile. Images were taken on November 21, 2022.

I was in search of Red or White-winged Crossbills this morning and it was a nice surprise to come across a pair of Long-eared Owls. This location is not where other Long-eared Owls have been photographed, reported, or roosting recently in the state. One of the owls was more in the open for photos so a took a couple. The other owl was in some thick pine branches not up for a photo. With the bright sunny day in the dark pines, it was not easy to capture the amazing moment with the Long-eared Owls. These owls were watching me as I quietly left the area. It was a bright sunny day and finally a little warmer temps, high near 32 degrees with light winds. Images were taken on January 31, 2022.

The Long-eared Owl…

Taking a closer look at a distance after finding the owl…

White wash from an owl…

When my eyes first spotted this bird in the tree at about 30 feet…too small for a Great Horned Owl, too big for a Saw-whet Owl…has to be a Long-eared Owl…

This owl totally ignored my presence, and I just ignored it too after a few of shots and left the area…

One of my birding stops today produced a surprise Long-eared Owl perched 5 feet off the ground. It remained still for about 5 minutes, was not even looking at me, I was very quiet, it must have been eyeing up some food. After about 5 minutes passed, it turned its head and looked at me and I took a few shots. It was a cloudy day with some wind, cold temps around 30 degrees. Images were taken on December 23, 2021.

When I found the Long-eared Owl…it remained looking in that direction for about 5 minutes…

Another shot of when I came upon this owl…

Out birding today I came across a Long-eared Owl. I found it perched and it was still perched when I left the area. A chilly day to start with cloudy skies, the sun warmed things up a little as the day went on. Images were taken on January 20, 2021.

The Long-eared Owl

Out birding today I came across a Long-eared Owl. I found it perched and it was still perched when I left the area. A chilly day to start with cloudy skies, the sun warmed things up a little as the day went on. Images were taken on November 11, 2020.

The Long-eared Owl…

Another shot…look at those talons…

November 25, 2020

While birding a new location, coming out of some bushes, I was stunned to see a single Long-eared Owl starring at me. Just sitting on a branch, I quickly took some shots and walked away. It never flew, seemed content just looking at me. That was one of my biggest birding surprises of all time! Images were taken on April 2, 2020.

The Long-eared Owl

Today while out birding I stumbled across a Long-eared Owl. It always comes as a big surprise even if you are looking for them. As always, during the slow times of winter birding I spend many days just looking for owls in places off the wall, in places you would not think they would be. It was nice day, mostly cloudy with a slight wind out of the NE, temps around 30 degrees. This owl found in SE Wisconsin. Image was taken on February 4, 2020.

A Long-eared Owl looking like they always do…

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!

I came upon a Long-eared Owl today while birding in Milwaukee County. It gave nice views from a distance. It appeared the owl had just eaten something as there was blood on the bottom of its face. I viewed the owl for a minute or so and then left the area. Image was taken on February 6, 2018.

Long-eared Owl

I came upon some Long-eared Owls today while birding in Milwaukee County. They gave nice views from a distance. It was an extremely cold day with temps in the lower teens for highs, some good winds, made it feel like arctic circle. Images were taken on January 8, 2018.

Long-eared Owl

Binomial name: Asio otus

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 15” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 9 oz

With a day of falling snow, it was be a great day to check out a few owls. I checked out a few spots with a little luck. The Barred Owl was hunkered down when found, it never moved. The Long-eared Owls sat tight as well. With the snow falling on and off during the day, it made for a winter wonderland atmosphere out in the woods. Images were taken on March 13, 2017

The Barred Owl blends right in, how exciting!

Barred Owl nest hole…

Long-eard Owl with snow…

The Long-eared Owl is hidden pretty well….

Long-eared Owl in Wisconsin on January 6, 2017

Long-eared Owl

Long-eared Owl

Binomial name: Asio otus

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 15” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 9 oz

I have looked high and low for this species over the years and today I stumbled across them, the Long-eared Owls. It was a thrill to see them and to finally get this life bird for the state. There were numerous birds present at this site which I cannot disclose. Such beautiful birds they are, smaller in size then I had thought. Images were taken on January 28, 2016.

Long-eared Owl

Binomial name: Asio otus

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 15” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 9 oz