Some recent owls

This afternoon Laura and I went off in search of owls, and were fortunate with finding two species!

The first was a beautiful Long-eared Owl that we spotted near Oakville. The bird was content to watch us from eye level, and we soaked up the incredible views for half an hour. It was a new species for Laura!

Long-eared Owl - Oakville, Ontario

Long-eared Owl - Oakville, Ontario

Long-eared Owl - Oakville, Ontario

The second owl species was Short-eared Owl; a well known location near St Catharines is currently the preferred location for two individuals. When we pulled up there were about ten cars lined up along the roadside. It wasn't until most of the camo-clad photographers had departed for the evening that the owls appeared, providing great views as they hunted over the fields. Unfortunately no photos this time due to the fading light.

A few days ago I returned from 15 days of guiding an enthusiastic group throughout western Cuba for Worldwide Quest. Owls are always a big hit and this year we were fortunate to have "face-melting" views of both Bare-legged Owl and Cuban Pygmy-Owl.

Pygmy-owls are often active throughout the day, and the species found in Cuba happens to be relatively common and easy to encounter. We came across about 15 of them, however at least half of these were heard only.

Cuban Pygmy-Owl - Bermejas, Zapata, Cuba

The Bare-legged Owl, also known as the Cuban Screech Owl, is an interesting little species that happens to be the only member of its genus, Margarobyas. Bare-legged Owls have a penchant for roosting within woodpecker holes in palms, and if one knows which trees to lightly tap, the reward may be a prolonged look at a sleepy-looking Bare-legged Owl, wondering what the commotion is all about. This individual was residing within a dead palm that had broken off years ago.

Bare-legged Owl - Bermejas, Zapata Peninsula, Cuba

Bare-legged Owl - Bermejas, Zapata Peninsula, Cuba

While we did not come across Stygian Owl on this trip, it has been a species that my group has observed on both previous Cuba trips. Last year was particularly special as we were treated to views of a young Stygian Owl, roosting a few dozen meters from its watchful parent. Stygian Owl is not really common anywhere across its range, which is sporadic and disjointed but across much of Central and South America. In Cuba they are scarce at best but can be found in the Zapata Peninsula with some regularity, if one knows where to look (as our local guide did).

Stygian Owl - Palpite, Zapata Peninsula, Cuba

Stygian Owl - Palpite, Zapata Peninsula, Cuba