Valley birders join owl researchers for field day
Berl Tiskus
A combination of barbs along the boney edge of the long-eared owl’s wing, the wing’s shape, velvety texture on top, and a fringe border on the feather edge of the wing make long-eared owls aerodynamic, able to fly slowly and almost silently.
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Owl researcher Jessica Larson calms a long-eared owl on a wintry day.
Berl Tiskus
“Who are you looking at?” a long-eared owl seems to ask. His long ears are not really ears, but feather tufts that help him camouflage himself while he sleeps.
Berl Tiskus
Larson uses the wrong end of binoculars as a field microscope to examine an owl pellet.
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
A long-eared owl’s fluffy feet sports talons to grasp prey, such as voles.
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Holt and Larson release a long-eared owl after weighing, measuring and banding it.
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Berl Tiskus
Denver Holt restrains a long-eared owl as it is measured. Although holding the owl causes stress, it will return to its tree to sleep after release.
Berl Tiskus
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