This past Sunday was so much fun! Actually, the fun started the evening before the official outing, when a bunch of us Pipits met up and had dinner together. It was just lovely to get to know some new and some old friends a bit better. So glad we had that opportunity!
On Sunday, we crossed over to Amherst Island on the 9:30am ferry. We made our way to Owl Woods, and had a good tromp through ice, snow, and lots of brush. What an adventure! Fortunately for us, our friends from OFO had an outing through the same area about an hour before us, and happened upon two owls. We were able to refind them!
Here's the first. A sleepy Barred Owl. These owls hunt at night - they are nocturnal hunters - so they tend to roost in dense thickets during the day to sleep. When looking at owls it is important for us to remember and respect this. We didn't stay long at this site. Owls need their sleep!
Next, we saw a Northern Saw Whet Owl. These tiny owls are also nocturnal hunters. We stayed for just a short while to marvel at this beauty.
We were all thrilled with our Two Owl Day!
Geordie and I stayed later than the rest of the group, and just before dark, the Short Eared Owls started flying and hunting. These birds are crepuscular hunters... most active hunting during dawn and dusk. They have a very moth like flight, which helps to distinguish them from the Northern Harrier hawks that hunt in the same habitat. Check out how long their wings are! Geordie counted 32 Short Eared Owls at our location!
I think this is my favorite photo - Lift Off!
Thanks all for joining this outing - you made it a really fun and memorable day. Well done everyone!
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