Megascops kennicottii
Small white and gray owl with black streaks and "feathered ear tufts." The darkest black streaks are from the ear tufts, down along the side of the head and slightly wrapping under the chin. The eyes are light yellow-green. The eye lids are purple. The last image shows the owl with a rather intimidating look. This owl is closely related to the European Scops Owl.
Captive, rehabilitated bird used for educational purposes. This species is found along the western US, BC Canada and Baja California.
This was part of Hawk Watch 2015 by the Wildlife Research Institute. The birds were from The Raptor Institute.
Lat: 33.03, Long: -116.93
Spotted on Jan 10, 2015
Submitted on Jan 11, 2015
4 Comments
Thank you Desmond.E.S.O and kdpicturemaker! I find this owl fascinating and hope to spot one in the wild someday.
Stunningly beautiful portraits!
WOW!!!