For birders in the United States, there are "lifers," and then there are legends. For decades, the Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) was a ghost—a tropical species that lived in the lush forests of Mexico and Central America, barely acknowledged as a member of the U.S. avifauna. But things are changing. […]
The Burrowing Owl, a charismatic and unique denizen of the North American grasslands, faces significant threats that have prompted dedicated conservation efforts across its range. Due to its dependency on the ecological activities of other animals (prairie dogs and ground squirrels) and its vulnerability to habitat loss, several federal, state,
Protecting the Prairie Miner: Burrowing Owl Conservation Programs
The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is an anomaly among North American birds of prey. Instead of perching in trees or nesting on cliffs, this small, long-legged owl makes its home beneath the surface of the earth. Inhabiting open grasslands, prairies, and arid scrublands across the Americas, the Burrowing Owl is
Concealed in the deep shadows of North American woodlands and backyards, the Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) is a quintessential symbol of the nocturnal world. Despite its wide distribution and relative abundance, this small, enigmatic raptor often goes unnoticed by human neighbors. It is far more often heard than seen, its
The winter of 2025 has brought a chillingly beautiful phenomenon to the coastal and open landscapes of Massachusetts: a significant return of Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus). These magnificent, pure white raptors, often referred to as the "Ghost of the Tundra," have captivated birders and nature enthusiasts as they migrate south
The Ghost of the Tundra Returns: Snowy Owls Back in Massachusetts
With their silent flight, haunting calls, and piercing, forward-facing eyes, owls are arguably the most enigmatic birds of prey in the United States. Far from being a single, uniform species, they represent a diverse group of nocturnal predators adapted to nearly every ecosystem the country has to offer, from the
Masters of the Night: A Comprehensive Guide to the Owls of the US
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of North America’s most iconic and formidable raptors. With piercing yellow eyes, distinctive feathered ear tufts, and a hooting call that echoes through forests and fields, the Great Horned Owl has long captured the human imagination. Revered by Indigenous cultures, feared by
Washington State, a land of dramatic contrasts—from the damp, mossy old-growth of the Olympic Peninsula to the arid shrub-steppes of the Columbia Plateau and the alpine heights of the Cascades—provides a mosaic of habitats perfectly suited for one of nature's most elusive and fascinating groups: the owls. More than a
Attracting owls to your property is an exercise in creating a rich, natural habitat that offers three essentials: shelter, safety, and supper. Unlike feeding songbirds with seed, you can’t simply hang a feeder for an owl; you have to foster an ecosystem where they can thrive naturally. The presence of
The arrival of the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) in the contiguous United States is one of the most anticipated events of the birding year. These magnificent creatures, instantly recognizable by their striking white plumage and intense yellow eyes, spend the majority of their lives hunting on the Arctic tundra. When
With its deep, resonant call echoing through dense woods — “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” — the Barred Owl (Strix varia) is one of North America’s most recognizable and widespread owls. Known for its soulful eyes, striped plumage, and nocturnal hunting habits, this species captivates birdwatchers
Barn Owls, with their heart-shaped faces, silent flight, and ethereal presence, are a fascinating and enigmatic part of the American landscape. From coast to coast, these nocturnal raptors captivate our imaginations and play a vital role in their ecosystems. This article delves into the life of the Barn Owl (Tyto
