Wildlife & Related

[Grant H.]

At 11:43 p.m., I heard a window strike by the front door windows. There was a Long-eared Owl splayed on the ground below. I brought it in to examine it and it seemed to be okay, not showing any broken wing or neurological issue from the collision. I gently held his shoulders so it couldn't fly or pierce me with it's talons. Took a photo and set it out on the porch. It seems fine, alert but resting. Will check in the morning....

I have caught, handled (and banded) many owl species but this was a first in-hand with a Long-eared Owl. It's quite a lot smaller that the very similar Great Horned Owl, and twice the size of a Western Screech-owl. I've seen Long-eared occasionally in our orchard and wildlife shelter belt but they're elusive and uncommon. Window strikes at our Palisade farm home are infrequent. Owls are more often injured by flying into wire fences and power lines at night. Hope this one survives.

Cute little bugger.

I've always been fascinated with owls. Growing up on a horse farm with barns, space, and lots of mice we had many hang out on the property over the years. It was always fun laying in bed during the summer with the windows open and hearing them talk to each other. That and being out checking animals at night and seeing them fly over without a sound.