Barred Owl, Strix varia
For some reason Barred Owl, Strix varia, seem to be very plentiful this season. This bird has been my nemesis, there always seem to be branches obscuring part of him. I love the dark eyes on this species. For Ontario owls, the only other species with dark eyes is the Barn Owl.
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Boreal Owl, Aegolius funereus
Usually when you are lucky enough to see a Boreal Owl, Aegolius funereus, they are sleepy and nestled away with twigs and branches around them. A few days ago I was lucky enough to see on that had come out to hunt about an hour before dark on an overcast day. It was a very exciting experience.
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Long-eared Owl from Harold Stiver on Vimeo.
The Long-eared Owl is one of the most colorful of the North American Owls, with gorgeous warm tones. The ears, which are actually feather tufts, often give it a surprised expression.
At Amherst Island, it usually roosts in groups in the upper part of pines and cedars.
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Northern Saw-Whet Owl 2 from Harold Stiver on Vimeo.
The first time you see a Northern Saw-Whet Owl, someone in your party is guaranteed to say “It’s so cute!!” And it is but it is also a fierce predator. The smallest of the eastern North American owls, it is capable of killing birds larger than itself.
I’m sure there are good numbers of this species but they are rarely seen due to their habits. They are nocturnal hunters who keep tucked away in trees during the day, and even when approached, keep perfectly still.
This is a bird from Amherst Island.
Northern Saw-Whet Owl
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Snowy Owl
About a month ago, I posted a story about Snowy Owl on Wolfe Island. On the weekend I visited Amherst Island, just upriver from Wolfe Island, and a place that is internationally famous for wintering owls.
While driving about the island, we were privileged to see 6 Snowy Owl, a magnificent bird. We were also able to locate three other owl species: Northern Saw-Whet (about which more tomorrow), Short-eared ,and Long-eared Owls. I saw a Boreal Owl earlier this year, but no luck on this occasion.
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White-tailed Deer
White-tailed Deer are the most numerous and widespread of the larger North American mammals and they seem to be extending their range.
This buck was on Amherst Island in the early morning. The grass has received a coating of frost from the ice mist coming off the warmer water around the island.
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Boreal Owl
Amherst Island is famous for its winter owls, and this year looks to be especially good. When the rare bird line had reports of Boreal Owl, I made plans to visit, as it was ten years since I saw one, and have no images of this rarely seen species.
Although the video doesn’t have a lot of action, it will give you an idea of the species and it’s winter habitat.
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