This time of year, the weather gets cooler, the leaves fall from the trees, and the days get shorter and darker. No worries. Owl season has begun. Today was the best. It started when I found this Barred Owl hunting at the side of a field. It moved…
This gallery contains 13 photos.
The very first owl I ever saw was a Barred Owl. December 2010. I had always thought it would be great to see an owl in the wild, but had never found one before. The sighting of that little Barred Owl started a love affair with Barred Owls that continues…
This is a Saw Whet Owl. Let’s admit it- this owl is breathtakingly adorable. If you live anywhere in the vicinity of Prince Edward County, Ontario, October is the month to you have a chance to see them in person. Saw Whet Owl banding is taking place…
Having been in an elementary school classroom for the past 20+ years, I barely noticed September as it passed by. Kid-induced haze. This year, it’s different. Retirement! But not really. I’m still up early (to hear the school busses roll by) and out the door. Living life. I’ve…
Spectacular shorebirds! You bet. To know them is to love them. These little birds are superstars. Take a look at the gorgeous feather patterns and impressive bills on these shorebirds. Every spring and fall, shorebirds make their epic migratory journey to their arctic breeding grounds, then back…
Tiny predators lurk just outside. Most of us don’t even know they are there. Here’s a collection of little critters to look out for this time of year. Fortunately, none of them eat humans. First, let’s meet the Assassin Bug. Yes, it kills things: flies, bees, spiders,…
Baby Hummingbirds are feisty little creatures. This is the best time of year to see them in my garden. Why? Their parents are gone. Migrating south already. The kids now have the garden all to themselves. Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds (The only species of hummingbird in Eastern North America) are fiercely territorial.…
This spring I had the incredible opportunity to observe barred owl babies growing up. This is the first view I ever got of a barred owl baby. The nest was in the snag of an old beech tree. I estimate the owlets were about 3 weeks old the first time I saw them.…
If I’m not around home, you can be pretty sure I have gone down to Presqu’ile. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is located south of Brighton, Ontario, Canada. Birding there is spectacular, because Presqu’ile lies in a major migratory bird route, and has a variety of habitats such as forest, marsh,…
So, you want to go searching for owls? Before we begin, you must know one thing. Owls always see you before you see them. Owls are secretive. Generally nocturnal. They pretty much sleep all day. In trees. Plus, they have superb camouflage that helps them blend right in with…
