Long-eared owl

Asio otus

Description:

I didn't realize the owl was even there when I took the pictures. Characterized by their ear tufts, which are used to make the owl appear larger to other owls while perched. Long-eared owl will usually use a nest that was created by other birds such as hawks, crows and osprey like this one.

Habitat:

Spotted in a large nest in a dead snag at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Dune scrub with some pine trees - many of the trees like this snag are damaged or dead from previous hurricanes, but many offer great opportunities for raptors to build their nest.