Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)

 
                                                                                                  Photos by BarrytheBirder

I took these Northern Hawk Owl photos, above, several years ago in the village of Schomberg, about 50 kms. north of Toronto, Ontario.   The 'Hawk Owl' had been seen in this spot for a few days and it wasn't long before dozens of birders, most with cameras and big lenses (see below), gathered around this uncommon bird and much time was spent get shots of it.

The Northern Hawk Owl is a unique medium-sized owl of boreal forests, in Canada, Alaska and north-western Europe.   It has a noticeably long tail for an owl and sometimes looks like a small hawk, with quicks wing-beats.

They regularly feed on small rodents by sound and sight.   They often perch on top of fir trees or snags or posts, surveying nearby landscapes for prey.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder