From Xiang T Zhang

This summer, a pair of Barn Owls nested in a barn house at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Ohio and hatched eight owlets. Refuge staff installed a camera near the nest, streaming live footage of the nest on YouTube.

The life for this owl family has not been easy. One day, while both the owl parents were out hunting, an intruding Barn Owl broke into the nest and killed one of the owlets.

Later, the mother owl also disappeared. With the help of the refuge staff, the father owl successfully raised the remaining seven owlets.

In the middle of July, the owlets started to go outside. I went there a few times to photograph the owlets. It was quite challenging. The young owls sleep during the day and only start being active about 15 minutes after sunset, by which time the light is already very dim.

I used a 400mm F2.8 lens and had to use a very slow shutter speed to barely manage taking photos.

From Rakesh Baro

Ontario Evenings!

Photographing short-eared owls in Southern Ontario is an enchanting experience, particularly in the golden glow of the evening sun.

These graceful hunters, with their unique flight patterns, are a joy to observe as they glide low over the fields in search of prey.

I especially love how the backlighting from the setting sun accentuates their soft plumage, casting a warm, ethereal light that makes every shot feel truly rewarding.

Patience is essential, as these owls are most active at dusk, but the opportunity to capture their beauty in such serene lighting is always worth the effort.

Nikon Z9, Nikkor 500mm f4+1.4TC

We're at the end of the first round, and basically halfway through the tournament. Today we meet the last of our competitors. The choices will only get harder from here in out, so choose carefully! For the last entrants, we have a pair of mostly monochromatic owls-one you know, and one you likely don't. You guys have stuck with most of the classics this year, Milky over the Little Owl being the only real outlier. Do you have another surprise in store for me today?

First up, the second most popular owl of last year, we all know it-the Snowy! This is one of the biggest and fluffiest owls; a necessity as it spends most of its time above the Arctic Circle. Snowies are a favorite of owl-ologists. As migratory owls, tossing a tracker on them gets us valuable data from places that aren't too hospitable or traversable for us. As you might infer from the rise of Snowy posts recently, Snowies will venture further south during the winter in search of food and some additional comfort.

The Black and White is a medium owl of Latin America and northernmost South America. Found in the wetlands and rain forest, this owl hunts mostly in the canopy for beetles and cicadas, though it will also take a bat, rodent, bird, or amphibian should the opportunity present itself. Like the Buffy Fish Owl, the B&W only lays a single egg at a time. Egg clutch sizes for bird species often shrink as they get closer to the equator. The Snowy, on the other hand, can last over 10 at the other extreme.

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I have a feeling this should be a good one! We've got some top tier owls, but only one can advance. This is likely to be another tough decision.

The petite Saw Whet is found from Canada to Mexico. Though only about 8 inches / 20 cm, and 2.8 oz / 80 g, this owl is no less vicious than its larger relatives, perhaps even more so, as it is also subject to predation itself. Like many owls, its name comes from its primary vocalization, a toot that is said to have the sound of a hand saw being sharpened on a whetstone. Saw Whet is not a bug eater like its size may imply: it eats almost entirely mammals from moles up to squirrels and bats, and will sometimes take a bird if need be, or some crabs and other seafood along the coast.

The competition is the owl that's been so successful at dealing with environmental destruction with its great adaptability and sheer determination that its become somewhat of an outlaw. The Barred Owl is being treated as an invasive species, but I say it's just making the best of the bad situation many owls like the Saw Whet are suffering from: deforestation. While other owls can't find food, shelter, or territory, Barred Owl laughs. It eats anything, lives anywhere, and is a tough son of a gun who isn't even afraid to fight humans during nesting season. Once only in the Eastern US , it has crushed southern Canada and is coming down the West Coast. While it can be a tough customer, it can also look very gentle and cuddly when it wants to, and it wears a somber expression, possibly from just being tired of being misunderstood.

So do you pick the pocket sized puff ball with surprised eyes and a bit of a moody side, or the bold, loud, and proud Barred Owl who has a tough exterior hiding a heart of gold? I know some of you have been having some very good Barred Owl sightings lately and getting lots of upvotes yourselves, so this will make it tough for baby if you. Mage your choice and vote now!

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From Shaun Antle

Small enough to fit in your hand but fierce when it's time to hunt, the Saw-whet Owl is one of nature's little marvels. Found across North America, these tiny owls are silent predators, gliding through the forest at night to snag mice and other small prey with incredible precision.

Their name comes from their call, which sounds like a saw being sharpened-one of those magical sounds you might hear if you're lucky enough to spend a quiet evening in the woods. With their big, curious eyes and feathers that blend perfectly with the trees, they're perfectly designed for forest life. But here's the thing-they need those forests to survive, and that's where the trouble starts. Logging and development are shrinking the places these little owls call home.

Protecting those forests isn't just about the owls-it's about preserving the balance of nature they're a part of. Taking care of wild spaces means these amazing creatures can keep doing what they do best, and we get to keep experiencing the magic they bring to the world.

From Glenn Sayers

When you just can't bear to watch what's happening right now (Great Horned Owl San Jose del Cabo)

There are 26 types of Pygmy Owl,and last year we went with the Northern. This year, let's try the Ferruginous (means rust colored) Pygmy Owl! This is the most widely dispersed of the Pygmies, from the edges of the US Southwest to the north of Argentina. Like the Northern, they have false eyes in the backs of their head. Despite being very small, they have disproportionately large feet to help tackle things up to twice their size including lizards and birds. They come in red and grey morphs.

The Crested Owl is a very distinct owl of Central and upper South America. It is a medium sized owl,known for its long white plumicorns. They also have facial stripes that join the plumes to make them look even longer than they already are. They favor old growth tropical and subtropical forests and are usually found near water. This owl is mainly an insect eater. It comes is a light and dark morph.

These two owls today both fell to the Screech Owl last year, but Screech is far off on the other side of the bracket now. Can one of these two make it to the finals to face it? You tell me!

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Buffy Fish Owl was a big hit last year. A big, loveable, horned owl with a fabulous anthropomorphized personality is a killer combination that got it to last year's Final 4. Buffy comes from tropical forests and wetlands in southeast Asia. They eat some typical owl food, but Wade into the water to snag fish, crabs, and frogs. Buffy has a number of differences from other owls: different feathers, different beak, doesn't make pellets, nests in a fern, and only ever lays one egg a year.

The Mottled Wood Owl is from the deciduous forests of India and Nepal. Not much data seems to be out there on this owl. We'll have to let this owl's unique looks speak for themselves.

Both owls are quite unique. Do you prefer the comedic looks and unusual anatomy of the Buffy, or are the wild looks of the enigmatic Mottled Wood Owl more your style? Vote below!

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My apartment is not in the ground floor, so I occasionally get to see different creatures hanging out in the tree just outside my window. I get to see a lot of birds, but was not expecting to see this cute little owl trying to sleep during the day.

Not the only time I've seen an owl hang out on that branch, but the only time I've seen one hang out for hours.

From Cynthia Rand

This recent discovery of mine was well camouflaged, but its white patch caught my eye as I scanned tree holes in the area!

From Antonius Lo

Northern Saw Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus ) Southern Ontario, Canada. 2024 Sony ILCE-1 n SEL 200-600 @ f/7.1 SS 1/320 8000. DXO raw processed.

The Barn Owl may be a pinnacle of owl evolution. They may be the peak predator of rodents by it's mass vs the amount of rodents it eats. They have a very high metabolism that must be filled by meat. What do they do with all that energy? Fly! If it's possible for an owl to exist anywhere, there will be some variety of Barn Owl there. These winged wonders can migrate up to 1000 km / 600 miles, taking them to near every land mass. Experiments with Barn Owls in the 70s finally lead to the understanding of most owls ability to use sound to find prey in total darkness with extreme accuracy.

The Boreal Owl (Tengmalm's Owl in Europe) is rarely seen by humans, staying far north in inaccessible taiga of North America and Eurasia. Its closest relatives are the diminutive Saw Whet and the Buff Fronted Owl. They have at least 8 types of vocalizations, making them hard to track. Despite being small, this owl eats more birds and mammals than many small owls do. They frequently look to have a surprised expression, making them very fun to see.

Does the sleek and svelte Barn Owl or the bashful Boreal get today's upvote?

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The Greater Sooty Owl is a resident of the wet tropical forest of Australia and New Guinea. There is also a Lesser Sooty sometimes grouped in, but it has a very limited range in North Queensland. They are the most massive of the Barn Owl family, though the Tasmanian Masked Owls are longer overall. This dark owl dotted with white speckles can let out a piercing 2 second shriek. Their primary diet are the mammals sharing the trees with them, gliders, possums, bandicoots, and bats.

For many of us, the Great Horned Owl will need no introduction. This is one of the largest owls of the Americas, and has a wider ranger than any owl but the Barn Owls. Its iconic hoot strikes fear into almost every animals in the forest - not even porcupines nor skunks or turkeys are safe from talons with more crushing power than an eagle, and even most dogs. They also have no problem going head to head with Bald Eagles over territory in epic back and forth battles. They may also be the longest lived owl, living up to 30 years in the wild and 50 in captivity.

Can you decide between these two great "Great" owls? Are you sucked down to the darkness with the goth Sooty, or will GHO crush its competition? Upvote your favorite now!

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From Mike Lentz

The look you get from a female Northern Saw Whet Owl when she see's your taking her picture. : )

My posse has been seeing these charming little owls and expect for this winter to be pretty epic with so many different species.

Their plumage is mottled and provides excellent camouflage! They primarily are found in more dense forests, particularly in Conifers and mixed woodlands. They prefer areas with a thick understory for cover.

From Dave Waddell

I noticed an adult male Snowy Owl perched on a fence post when a juvenile Snowy Owl landed at the base of the post. The juvenile knew that he was invading the adult male's personal space but was pushing his luck... consequently he lost his nerve and flew off to be pursued by the adult male. These were definitely Angry Birds, but wise for there was no lasting damage done to either bird."

The Short Eared Owl doesn't always show its little ears, but they are a treat when they do pop up! This owl has no issue soaring for long distances, which is what has lead to this owl being almost everywhere. They haven't made it to Australia yet, though there are special species of Shorties in places like the Caribbean, the Galopagos, and Hawaii. If we ever get owls in Antarctica, it will likely either be a Shortie or a Barn Owl. They nest in a shallow depression, hidden in the tall grass. It will fake a wing injury to lead predators away from the nest. They can often be found together, in the wide open spaces they prefer. Harriers also hunt the same food in the same places, so dramatic ariel combat occurs frequently.

The Oriental Bay Owl is one of the most unique looking owls. Part of the Barn Owl family, this little owl has a heart shaped face and large dark eyes, giving it an otherworldly appearance. They are found in parts of India, through Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in woodlands, swamps, and pkantations. They have many different vocalizations, including hoots, screams, and whistles.

Does the little devil that loves posing for the camera win your vote? Has the Bay Owl captured your imagination? Upvote your favorite below!

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The Philippine Scops fell short of taking down the Screech Owl, but we have another Scops who wants to be tops today. It's a tall order, going up against one very popular owl!

The Burrowing Owl is a perennial favorite. Its gregarious nature, the quirky behavior, it's an owl almost everyone enjoys. Today, they are found in dry, grassy, open areas from the very south of western Canada down throughout South America. They are one of the few species actually benefitting from South America deforestation, as it makes new areas for them to expand into. It is equally happy hunting in the air or running on the ground. One great trick they've developed is since rattlesnakes also live in similar holes, if they hear a disturbance at their doorway, they will emulate the rattler's sound to try and make their guest think they've stumbled into a snake pit!

Though one of the largest of the Scops, the Indian Scops is still a bit smaller than the Burrow Owl. It comes in both a lovely pale beige color or a light grey morph, both with orange to brown eyes. It stays cool and hidden in foliage during the day, and at night it makes a frog like call. Its favorite foods are beetles and grasshoppers, but it will take a rodent, lizard, or bird without complaining.

Does the playful Burrow Owl do it for you, or does the pointy little desert dweller have that edge you crave? Upvote your favorite now!

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From Hoo's Woods

This is "ZZ", our most recent barred owl patient found standing in the middle of the road, eyes closed and disoriented. She'd been struck by a vehicle, but thankfuly, two kindhearted ladies spotted her and sprang into action. They safely contained her and contacted the Rock County Sheriffs dispatch, who referred them to Hoo's Woods.

ZZ is now in our care with a significant head injury affecting her vision, a common issue for owls with forward-facing eyes. Unfortunately, trauma like this can lead to detached retinas and even blindness. While her prognosis is still guarded, as of this morning has been moved from ICU oxygen to a hospital cage where we can continue to monitor her closely. Let's send positive vibes for her recovery.

From Wild Care

What a scene! This dramatic display is what WildCare's Med Staff saw the moment they opened up this Burrowing Owl patient's enclosure in preparation to give him his daily prescribed medications. He was already on edge after just hearing the impressive vocalizations from his fellow patient and current neighbor, a very feisty Barn Owl, who had also had to come out for meds.

This fancy feather display is a standard defensive response for owls. Fluffing up their feathers instantly makes them look bigger, and by rotating their wings forward and down as they crouch, their side to side movement has the maximum impact! This tiny predator only weighs 150 grams-that's about half the heft of an average pigeon-so looking big and scary in the face of a perceived threat is particularly vital.

As you can see, this owl was eager to get back out into the wild and out of the bothersome hands of humans! We are glad to report that it wasn't long after this video was taken that he was cleared for release and is now living in his natural habitat in a colony with other Burrowing Owls.

This matchup brings us a set of very distinguished looking birds.

The Flammulated Owl developed a very rabid fan base last year, with you guys calling it the "Ent Owl" as it resembles a living tree. The owl's name refers to the smoldering ember patterns that only enhance its great looks. It is a small owl, slightly larger than the Elf Owl, but has a surprisingly deep hoot. They are a migratory species, leaving Canada and the western US in the winter to go down to Latin America. Flammulated Owls, like the Long Eared Owl, is another owl that actually doesn't mind being in groups of its own kind. They prefer pine forests and eat insects.

The Dusky Eagle Owl hails from India to Malaysia. It is a large owl, mostly nocturnal, but will come out during the day, especially if it is more cloudy. One interesting fact is they only nest in abandoned nests or one particular bird in 2 or 3 particular kinds of tree! I'd love to tell you more, but they are one if the least studied owls, so hopefully the mystery will add to its allure!

#superbowl #owloftheyear2024

This match features a pair of wise looking owls. Which one has the smarts to win today?

The Great Grey is the largest owl by overall length. Max length is around 33 inches, 84 cm, but actual mass is much less than the Blakiston's or Eurasian Eagle, and even that of most Bubo owls like the Snowy, Great Horned, etc. It's a real big fluffball! This thick winter coat is perfect for the coniferous taiga of the north, which is their preferred home. Even though they are found in Europe and Asia, they were not discovered until the 18th century in Canada. They have a less varied diet than most owls, eating mainly small rodents, but their massive facial disc maximizing the most tiny sounds, they can hear rodents under up to 2 feet, 60 cm, of snow!

The Spectacled Owl, while not the biggest owl in any continent, it is the largest tropical owl species at 20 inches, 52 cm, preferring the rainforests of Central and South America. It eats almost any mammal or can get its feet on, from rodents to bats, possums, crabs, snails, and even monkeys and sloths. With a wide range in habitats less hospitable for people, the Spectacled Owl has stayed relatively safe, though a species on Trinidad is now extinct due to encroachment in the rainforest there.

Which wise owl has captured your imagination? Is it the wise old Phantom of the North, the Great Grey, or the young, preppy looking Spectacled Owl? Upvote you choice now!

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From Randy Hong

At Singapore Botanic Gardens

As I was driving into the carpark, I saw a bunch of photographers gathered by the side of the road. I hastily parked at the carpark by Healing Gardens, grabbed my gear and went; all while it was still drizzling slightly.

A kind gentleman pointed out the location of the owl, mentioning that some contorting is required in order to get the owl as there are leaves blocking the view. And with the owl camping under shade with the sky overcast, it was a challenge to hold the camera still enough to get the shot.

From Gerry Uchytil

Great horned owl...wings up wings down.

From Elaine Kindler

If you ever come across a snowy owl with a transmitter, it was placed by Project Snowstorm This image was taken by researchers after placing a transmitter,releasing or relocating. The owls behavior is not altered in any way wearing the transmitter.

Image credit: Project Snowstorm

Project Snowstorm seems to have an extensive website that I'll have to check out further. Here is a summary about some of what they do in regard to the photo:

One of the most important elements of our research is understanding the winter ecology of snowy owls, using GPS/GSM transmitters that record the bird's location, altitude and flight speed as frequently as every six seconds. On-board temperature sensors and accelerometers add additional layers of data to help us understand how these birds hunt, migrate and survive both here on their more southerly wintering grounds, and in the Arctic.

In the past 11 years we've tracked more than 110 Snowy Owls from Alaska and the Dakotas to the Great Lakes, New England, southern Canada and the mid-Atlantic, including their summers in the Arctic. Our tracking data has documented previously unknown behavior, and shed light on poorly understood aspects of the snowy owl's life, both in their temperate wintering areas -- the main focus of our work -- as well as their breeding grounds in the North.

We continue to partner with Cellular Tracking Technologies, which supplies the high-tech, next-gen transmitters we use, and whose engineers and staff have been part of our team from the beginning.