Since short-eared owls have been spotted at Bradford Farm over the past week and since I return to Colorado tomorrow, I thought one last visit was in order. Unfortunately, most of the observations have occurred near dusk and my early morning effort was, once again, unsuccessful. On the positive side, there is a decent chance that I will see them out West.
Short-eared owls breed across Canada, Alaska and the northwest quadrant of the Lower 48, favoring open country where they fly close to the ground, hunting for rodents and birds. Come fall, these raptors head for prairies, wetlands and coastal dune fields across most of the country and may be found in small groups where prey is abundant. Unlike most owls, short-ears are often active during the day, especially just after dawn or just before dusk.
My interest in finding these predators is partly based on nostalgia. I discovered my first short-eared owl along the southeast coast of North Carolina, in 1976, when my birding "career" had just begun. Flapping above the dunes at Wrightsville Beach, that winter visitor was one of a few species that truly ignited my enthusiasm for birding.
Short-eared owls breed across Canada, Alaska and the northwest quadrant of the Lower 48, favoring open country where they fly close to the ground, hunting for rodents and birds. Come fall, these raptors head for prairies, wetlands and coastal dune fields across most of the country and may be found in small groups where prey is abundant. Unlike most owls, short-ears are often active during the day, especially just after dawn or just before dusk.
My interest in finding these predators is partly based on nostalgia. I discovered my first short-eared owl along the southeast coast of North Carolina, in 1976, when my birding "career" had just begun. Flapping above the dunes at Wrightsville Beach, that winter visitor was one of a few species that truly ignited my enthusiasm for birding.
