As Ann Mitchell is almost always up for chasing owls, one of the things
we had a chance to speculate about, on Friday, was female / male Short-eared
Owls. On Friday as we were watching them flying the light and range was good
enough to see that they almost all looked to be males. One owl in particular
had a darker brown and buffy, streaked, breast with a slightly darker overall
brown body. The under wing was typical, light wing lining with dark primary
tips, inner buffy band, another dark band, then light primary bases setting off
the carpel mark. This one we thought a female, definitely not a Long-eared. I
couldn't really compare size very well, but this one was easy to pick out over
and over. If anyone has other characteristics, easy to see in the field, for
separating males and females I'd like to hear back.
The other thing that always catches my eye is the dark carpel mark,
(comma), that always makes me think of Red-tailed Hawk especially as the
underwing is so light. I wonder if some Short-ears are missed, on a quick
glance drive-by, by the thought of "look another Red-tail", especially if the
head isn't prominent due to the angle. I've probably done that; a dangerous
habit. haha
Gary
On Dec 13, 2013, at 10:21 PM, Gary Kohlenberg wrote:
During all this Snowy Owl excitement we've been having lately I've also
been looking for those other winter visitors, Short-eared Owls. Following up on
reports I was thrilled to see one SEOW on Scofield Rd. near Buck Rd. late
Wednesday and today SIX of them on Lake Rd. / Rt-90 near the Long Point
Winery. Two of them had nailed prey on the ground and were chowing down. It was
nice to see them successfully hunting. As much as they seem oblivious to
birders watching them flying, even at very close range, that doesn't apply when
they have a kill on the ground. At that point looking at them seems to make
them distinctly nervous. I was quick to get the message and move on.
Gary
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