What makes an owl a top predator?

  Many birders, me included, have an affinity for owls (families Tytonidae and Strigidae). They bring a certain fascination, mystique and inspiration that compel many people to seek out these raptors when in the field. Throughout the world there are some 205 species of owls, many scientists are suggesting that …

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The Northern Pygmy-Owl: The little owl with big personality

In late June I took a drive northwest of Calgary to see a pair of Sandhill Cranes that were reportedly nesting along the shore of a large pond (or small lake, if you prefer). I’d never really visited this particular area before, despite it being close to Grand Valley Road …

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An Owl with eyes in the back of its head

One of the more diminutive members of the Owl family is the Northern Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium gnona) which is 6”-61/2” (15-17 cm) in size. These pictures were taken on January 8th, 2009 the second picture shows that it has “Eyes in the back of its head”, this must be very …

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Advanced Birding Techniques – Finding the Northern Pygmy-Owl

Guest post by Bob Lefebvre The Northern Pygmy-Owl is an elusive creature that can be very difficult for a birder to find.  For starters, it is very small, about the size of a pop can.  But there is no deposit on them, so it seems that people leave them scattered …

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