It is Nocturnal Owl Survey season here in Canada and two
nights ago I was treated to a few rewards before my survey got started – a pair
of Barred Owls (
Strix varia) duetting
in the evening light (photo below shows the male, based on voice) and a Canada
Lynx walking along the dirt road! Although common in some parts of their range,
Barred Owls occur in low densities in Manitoba
and are always a treat for us here.
The following night, I came across 4 Long-eared Owls (
Asio otus) displaying in a clearing in a
jack pine stand. The owls sometimes glided and sometimes zig-zagged over the
clearing and would periodically clap their wings below them producing an
audible “snap” noise (such aerial display also seen in other Asio species such
as Short-eared Owl). Both sexes were involved as I heard both male and female
voices, although I can’t be sure who was clapping. I took a little time in between
survey routes to try to photograph this behaviour but was unsuccessful,
although I got these shots of a calling bird (presumed male based on voice) at
the edge of the clearing. I couldn’t stay long because I had to go on and do
other surveys but it was sure hard to tear myself away from the performance.
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