We set out today in search for the snowy owl. Our plan was to go to Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) and get some advice on where to begin our search. BSBO has posted some updates on their Facebook and Twitter accounts so we thought that this would be a great place to start. We were notified by the BSBO staff that there were four different species of owls spotted at Maumee Bay State Park. The list included a Long Eared, Great Horned Owl, Saw Whet, and Screech Owl. After an unsuccessful trip to Camp Perry Beach to check for the Snowy owl we decided to change our focus to Maumee Bay. We were determined to come home with an owl added to our life list.
We stopped at Maumee Bay's Nature Center and got a detailed map of where of possible places to see the owls. Unfortunately they could only help with the Long Eared and Saw Whet. Finally we set out in search of our first owl. The Nature Center said that the Long Eared was going to be a long shot. There was a lot of people searching for the Long Eared so they were afraid that the owl had been pushed deeper into the trees. We learned that people were clapping their hands and using their flashes on the Long Eared and most owls will not tolerate this kind of behavior for long.
After a little bit of time searching for the Long Eared we moved on in search of the Saw Whet. As we approached the spot where it had been spotted last we began to search the thick trees. We learned later that the Saw Whet usually roost just above eye level. This is exactly where we spotted him, just under a canopy of branches about two feet from the path. He was so small and looked so soft. Unfortunately his head was turned in a way that made capturing a picture a little difficult. We did however manage to get a few keepers. Below are two that we really liked.
Our life list is now at 72.
Happy Birding!
We stopped at Maumee Bay's Nature Center and got a detailed map of where of possible places to see the owls. Unfortunately they could only help with the Long Eared and Saw Whet. Finally we set out in search of our first owl. The Nature Center said that the Long Eared was going to be a long shot. There was a lot of people searching for the Long Eared so they were afraid that the owl had been pushed deeper into the trees. We learned that people were clapping their hands and using their flashes on the Long Eared and most owls will not tolerate this kind of behavior for long.
After a little bit of time searching for the Long Eared we moved on in search of the Saw Whet. As we approached the spot where it had been spotted last we began to search the thick trees. We learned later that the Saw Whet usually roost just above eye level. This is exactly where we spotted him, just under a canopy of branches about two feet from the path. He was so small and looked so soft. Unfortunately his head was turned in a way that made capturing a picture a little difficult. We did however manage to get a few keepers. Below are two that we really liked.
Our life list is now at 72.
Happy Birding!
This is so awesome, you two! I know, I keep using that adjective (awesome), but I can't help it. It is what it is. I am learning so much through your blog. I look up every one, read about it, tell Leo, and then listen to the calls. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! We do the same thing when we see a new bird.
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