Canon City area birding 8-22-05
This poor owl was as you see hanging upside down from a electric wire, apparently electrocuted and still hooked by its talon to that which killed it. It's face is somewhat visible between it's wings. I believe this is a Long-eared Owl, and was near an area where they have been seen this year. You can see that this owl has feathered legs and feet. Long-eared Owls have heavily feathered legs and feet, have a white patch below their bills, have a lot of streaks and barring on their body feathers that are brown with black and white markings with buffy underwings-all consistent with this bird.
There wasn't much happening at the eastern section of Canon City Riverwalk besides many Wilson's Warblers that are still migrating through. I did see 6+ Spotted Sandpipers along the river which is a lot for this area and likely some are migrating through. They are pretty easy to spot with their frequent bobbing action.
I also stopped by Brush Hollow Reservoir which was partially covered with some algae bloom so no boats for a change and few fisherman. There was a very vocal Osprey, several Double-Crested Cormorants, two Great Blue Heron, and a few Pied Grebes aroune the lake. 5+ Spotted Sandpipers that were walking on top of algae, searching for food. A large flock of Chipping Sparrows were flying on the east side through the trees and into the grass and shrubs.
SeEtta
P. S.--If you believe this owl is not a Long-eared, you can note that and why by clicking the "comments" button below--a pop-up screen will open with a comment form.
There wasn't much happening at the eastern section of Canon City Riverwalk besides many Wilson's Warblers that are still migrating through. I did see 6+ Spotted Sandpipers along the river which is a lot for this area and likely some are migrating through. They are pretty easy to spot with their frequent bobbing action.
I also stopped by Brush Hollow Reservoir which was partially covered with some algae bloom so no boats for a change and few fisherman. There was a very vocal Osprey, several Double-Crested Cormorants, two Great Blue Heron, and a few Pied Grebes aroune the lake. 5+ Spotted Sandpipers that were walking on top of algae, searching for food. A large flock of Chipping Sparrows were flying on the east side through the trees and into the grass and shrubs.
SeEtta
P. S.--If you believe this owl is not a Long-eared, you can note that and why by clicking the "comments" button below--a pop-up screen will open with a comment form.
