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Asio otus; Long-eared Owl   

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Asio otus
Asio otus
Long-eared Owl
Photographer: Aaron Schusteff

ID: 0000 0000 0414 1604 (2014-04-27)

Copyright © 2014 Aaron Schusteff

 
INFORMATION PROVIDED WITH THE PHOTO
  • date of photo  Apr 4, 2014
  • location   NW of the Calico Mountains (San Bernardino County, California, US)
  • family Strigidae
  • order Strigiformes
  • class Aves
  • notes   I was lucky to inadvertently flush this beautiful owl out of creosote bush scrub habitat...not just once, but twice...as I was working my way up a desert slope, mainly looking at the ground botanizing. The first time heard it fly, I looked up and was impressed by how large it was. The second time, I watched it as it flew about 100 yards away and landed. I then slowly approached, moving in a zig-zag pattern, rather than a direct approach, to avoid frightening it. I had a 60mm macro lens on my camera since I was photographing flowers...nevertheless, the owl allowed me to get close enough for a fairly good shot (about 25' away). I stood there and admired it for quite awhile before moving along.

    While at first I presumed this was a Great Horned Owl, after studying some references I believe it's a Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus)...although the habitat seems unusual. If any experts out there can correct or confirm this ID, I'd be grateful.

  • photo category: Animal - Bird

  • MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ANIMAL
  • common names   Long-eared Owl (photographer)
  • View all photos in CalPhotos of Asio otus
  • Check Google Images for Asio otus


  • The photographer's identification Asio otus has not been reviewed. Click here to review or comment on the identification.

     
    Using this photo   The thumbnail photo (128x192 pixels) on this page may be freely used for personal or academic purposes without prior permission under the Fair Use provisions of US copyright law as long as the photo is clearly credited with © 2014 Aaron Schusteff. For other uses, or if you have questions, contact Aaron Schusteff arbonius2[AT]sbcglobal.net. (Replace the [AT] with the @ symbol before sending an email.)


     

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