Went to see the SE Owl show at Long Point Winery this evening. There were at least six birds active. One had a run-in with a female Northern Harrier in the air--perhaps a vole ownership dispute.
This was my second time seeing this particular show in my life and I recommend it highly. The birds are quite striking both in markings and flight style. They're almost moth-like, as if more buoyant or less earthly--slightly less subject to the rigors of gravity--than other birds (even the harrier, who's no slouch at lofting). Also their faces, because of the bold eye markings, are discernible even with the naked eye, so it's possible to track where they're looking as they fly. That action can be hard to see in other birds, so watching the SE Owls hunt is like getting to see a bird's real-time perception and decision-making. It's riveting. I haven't got my Sibley handy, only photos-- is the coloration in Short-eared Owls as rosy/buffy on the underwings and belly as it seems, or is that just the usual lighting conditions for snapping shots of these owls? One pic did show a more high contrast bird (almost black and white). By the way, re: Sibley not knowing everything: both a horrifying and comforting thought. Caroline Manring West Hill Sent from my iPhone -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
