ML62078871
Contributor
Date
Location
- Age
- Not specified
- Sex
- Not specified
- Playback
- Playback not used
Observation details
2 seen relatively close, one for an extended period of time; three others seen more distant. All in extensive grassland with Agropyron cristatum and other shorter grasses, with grain stubble on the other side of Bench Rd. Old, dried cowpies gave evidence of grazing in the grassland area. Did not see prairie dogs or ground squirrels, though I might have missed them in the high grass, and the day was getting quite hot as well. I noticed the owl conspicuously "panting" (its chin moving in and out) - was it hot out there? It seemed to move on the ground by hopping. During most of the time I watched it, it was perched on the ground in one spot, often swiveling its head from one direction to another. The owl I observed well occasionally made a vocalization consisting of a low, burry introductory note followed by a series of higher-pitched toots, which I was able to record. I was surprised to see how often (always?) the owl held its wings jutting back conspicuously. Brownish, beautifully speckled back; large, yellow eyes, large grayish bill, white "eyebrow" between/above the eyes, fine grayish crown coloration, tawny facial disc, buffy chin separated from white throat by narrow black band; breast and belly off-white, with brownish horizontal striking especially on the breast.
Technical information
- Recorder
- TASCAM DR-05
- Microphone
- Accessories
- Original file size
- 14.37 MB