ML128087321

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

First viewing was that of a large, mottled brown blob standing on the exposed mudflat, approximately 200 metres from my point of observation. When it looked in my direction there was a facial letter "X" with a large yellow eye in each of the two lateral openings and a dark colored owl shaped bill ( short in length and held downward ) in the ventral opening of the "X". The eyes were highlighted by a dark circle that separated the eye from the brown facial cheeks. The head was shaped as a semi-sphere sitting directly on the body, sans peduncle (or neck) separating the head from the body. There were no facial "horns" noted. The bird was observed standing on the mud, later stepping up onto a rocky structure that was protruding from the mud. The bird's talons, legs and protruding primaries were mud coated, owl stood erect, not appearing to be stressed. Nearby shorebirds did not appear to be concerned with the presence of the SEOW; least sandpipers, black-necked stilts and American avocets were observed feeding and walking within close proximity of the owl. The owl did relocate to another location on the mudflat, several feet from the initial location. However, I did not see it in flight, thus unable to describe the open wing pattern, nor flight pattern. The said owl was in the same location when I passed by 45 minutes later.

Technical information

Model

SM-G950U

ISO

50

Focal length

4.3 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/1.7

Shutter speed

1/208 sec

Dimensions

3021 pixels x 3021 pixels

Original file size

2.61 MB