I first photographed this zippy Burrowing Owl last June then saw him again in October at Photography Day.
He wasn’t doing anything different on this day, but he sure was cute. And zippy.
Safety first, he watched all movement overhead where some vultures were swooping around.
With the danger passed, he posed on a higher perch.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
The Asian Brown Wood Owl was part of the flight demonstration at the Center for Birds of Prey Photographer’s Day.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
The Asian Brown Wood Owl was part of the flight demonstration at the Center for Birds of Prey Photographer’s Day.
Who’s looking at you?
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
The Asian Brown Wood Owl was part of the flight demonstration at the Center for Birds of Prey Photographer’s Day.
Check out that powerful foot!
And the wingspan!
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
Barn Owls are pretty snazzy, all dressed up in earth tones. When this one gave a shake he showed off his complementary white speckled underside.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
Continued from Burrowing Owl, Center For Birds of Prey, 1
New to the educational program at the Center for Birds of Prey since the last time I was there was a Burrowing Owl.
The little Burrowing Owl (about 5 ounces, 150gm) is quite striking.
Scanning the sky for safety, the Burrowing Owl was aware of any movement overhead.
The presenters are also on the lookout for hawks and other predators which have been known to drop in on their programs. On this day we only saw Black Vultures and Anhinga passing by.
Without any apparent preparation, the owl dropped into flight.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
June 24, 2021
New to the educational program at the Center for Birds of Prey since the last time I was there was a Burrowing Owl.
A small fake burrow has been set up at the flight demo area where this female zipped through the tunnels a few times.
At about 5 ounces (150g) these owls are small and fast, both in the air and running.
Like all of the demonstration birds in this program, the owl was sporting a radio transmitter in case of “unauthorized absence.”
She is also trained to perch on the handler’s glove, where you can see the relative size of this little owl.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
June 24, 2021
We visited the Center for Birds of Prey last week for the first time in three years. Their COVID scaled back program included handlers showing off three raptors before the flight demo.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl is one of my favorites. Well that could be a stretch, they are all gorgeous and fascinating birds.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
June 24, 2021
It would be easy to walk right underneath this Barred Owl Owlet without even knowing he was there. I probably have more than a few times!
The adult that was with him for his Eating Lesson had flown off to sit over the pond, leaving the little fellow on his own.
He was somewhat covered by the pine boughs and his coloration seen from a predator above would blend in with his surroundings. When I was leaving I saw the other parent a few trees away keeping his eye on the area.
A pair of Barred Owls frequents the pond near this stand of bamboo looking for food. This owl had just had an unsuccessful attempt to catch a noisy bullfrog.
The bullfrog stopped his song but the owl flew away with nothing in his talons. The owl chose a spot with a good view of the pond to watch and listen for his next opportunity.
Native bamboo was grown on the plantations in South Carolina to create natural barriers to help keep livestock in and keep predators out. Today it makes a beautiful addition to some of the area gardens and museum properties.
