There are a number of reasons why I decided to take on this project. My first reason has to do with my interest in birds. This began shortly after moving to Victoria ten and a half years ago. With our house backing onto a wooded area, the chirping of birds is a familiar sound all year long. I often glance out the window to see birds of all forms in the yard throughout the day. Frequently I will pull out the Birds of Victoria or Birds of North America reference guides we have on hand. Unfortunately, the drawings in the first aren’t overly helpful for identification and the number of entries in the second is overwhelming. My second reason has to do with a photography course I took a number of years ago. Since that time I have been trying to think of a practical reason to buy a new camera. Taking pictures of birds requires a powerful zoom lens which my previous point-and-shoot camera could not accommodate. Perfect! My final reason was my desire to take on a new project to welcome in 2011. Hence, bird of the day was born.



Thursday, December 10, 2015

Long-eared Owl

Asio otus















Appearance:
Medium-sized, slender owl
Long, erect, black ear tufts with buff/orange fringes
Brownish feathers streaked with buff and black
Buffy-orange facial disc with blackish rim
Two vertical white lines between eyes
Yellow eyes

Listen to its call.

These owls supposedly roost in dense foliage, where their camouflage makes them hard to find. I think maybe this one needs to work on that a bit. He was sitting on a low branch next to the busy Lochside Trail walking path, full exposed for all to see.

Learn more about the Long-eared Owl.
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2 comments:

  1. Cynthia JoyFebruary 1, 2016 at 7:21 PM

    Hi Beth,
    Thanks for sharing this blog with me. I appreciate the information and your photos are amazing. Like you, being new to Victoria and have become fascinated with the birds here and just bought a new camera. I love owls. Can you share with me where you found this one? I have heard owls in Mt. Doug and Beacon Hills Parks but not seen one yet.
    Cynthia, a member of the Photography Meet-up group

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    1. BethFebruary 4, 2016 at 3:43 PM

      Hi Cynthia,
      I saw this owl by Blenkinsop Lake back in early December. I'm pretty sure he is long gone though. If you are interested, take a look at the rare bird alert on eBird: http://ebird.org/ebird/canada/alert/summary?sid=SN35651. They tend to post the location of the birds sighted, which makes it easy for the rest of us.
      Beth

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