Documentation of
Boreal Owl
28-84-43
Observer Information
Reporter:
John Rawinski
239 Cotten Ln.,
MONTE VISTA,
CO 81144-9286
E-mail:
cougar@gojade.org
Other Observers:
Dr. Sidney Geautreaux, professor from Clemson University and his graduate student Steve Wagner
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Boreal Owl
First Date/Time:
4/7/1984 8:30:00 PM
Last Date/Time:
4/7/1984 8:45:00 PM
Duration (total time in view):
About 10 minutes
County:
Hinsdale
Specific Location:
Slumgullion Pass
Number:
1
Age:
Adult
Sex:
Male
Plumage:
Breeding
Habitat
Mixed forested stand of Engelmann spruce and aspen.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
We all used just eyes for this bird which was 20 feet away.
Distance:
I used a tape player to elicit the Boreal Owl staccato song. The bird flew in to a tree in front of us only 20 feet away and 15 feet up.
Light:
Nighttime and with flashlights.
Description of the Bird
This was classic Boreal Owl. A compact owl of about 10 inches in length. I always look for the pale bill to start out. Then the eyees which were with yellow iris and dark centers. Bird had a facial disk face, and a dark outer edge to that disk. Breast was white with brown streaks.
When birds come in like this, they may or may not sing and usually not, They are there to see the potential intruder on their territory. This one did not sing.
Quite remarkably we observed a small vole (likely Southern Red-backed Vole) in its grasp.
This was a life bird for both Dr geautreaux and Steve Wagner.
Similar Species Discussion
Was not Saw whet whick lacks the dark outer edge of facial disk. Also bill is darker than Boreal Owl bill. Was not flammulated owl which has dark eyes. Not a Northern Pygmy owl which also lacks dark outer edge to facial area.
Previous Experience
At this point I had been seeing a number of these owls on the previous nights. Had seen them on Cameron Pass with David Palmer, 3/1984. My notes show I had seen them on 3/16/84, 3/24/84 along this high elevation road.
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Materials Available
No files uploaded.
Date Documentation Submitted
3/6/2024 3:52:00 PM
Location Map
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