Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)

 

Photos by BarrytheBirders

This scarce , hawklike owl of northern forests hunts by day and night.   It may be seen perched at the very tip of a spruce, or flying fast and low from one tree to another.

It has a long tail, heavily barred underparts and a black rim around its face.   Its posture is less vertical than most other owls.   It is typically tame and easily approached .   On the day I took the pictures above, a crowd of almost 100 people had gathered to see this bird.  

Its voice is a sharp chattering, sometimes a low hooting trill.

It can be found from Alaska and east across Canada.   It winters to the northernmost United States.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder