We paid a visit to the Dungeness River Audubon Center when we went to Railroad Bridge Park recently. The Center has an extensive collection of taxidermied birds and some mammals. While I prefer to look at critters in their live forms there are advantages to still displays like this one. I rarely otherwise see owls. The views I’ve had have usually been brief and in low light. I think this may be a northern saw-whet.
And here’s another guess: this may be a barn owl. I was visiting with our guests as we explored the Center. If the owls were labeled I failed to check. What I can tell you about barn owls is that they dine on rodents, a help to farmers and those of us who prefer not to live with them.
This skeleton is also on display. I’m guessing it’s an owl. Whatever it is, the long, graceful wings are a mute testament to the beauty of flight.
Some fine specimens of owls. Until I read your text, I thought they were real. I’ve never seen one and I imagine they are hard to get a good close-up. In this case, they are perfect at posing and staying still. 🙂
I thought the first owl was real Kay 😀 They are such elusive birds.. we have one somewhere close that teases us every night calling out but the minute we step outside it goes silent! I’m determined to find and snap it 😀
Wow – amazing !!!
There seem to be many sightings of owls in our city this year, but I have yet to see one myself. Love the photos you have posted. The variety of bird life is amazing, isn’t it?
It is hard catching an awake owl during daylight. I got some great shots in Tanzania recently. No one told my owl he was supposed to be sleeping during the day.
I’ve heard them more than seen them- especially one night while visiting my parents and hearing a wail like a woman screaming, flying through the air.