Short-Eared Owl
On this trip to Amherst Island I had my first opportunity to photograph the Short-Eared Owl. It is an extremely active and acrobatic hunter, generally found in grasslands and open country.
This owl gazes toward the ground as it waits to prey on small mammals and birds. It is often seen landing on the ground to catch a vole or other small mammal.
A very wide-eyed but unperturbed owl checks out the photographer...
This pose reveals the short ear tufts that give this species its common name.
If I didn't know better, I would say this owl was actually scowling at me here! This pose also reveals the short ear tufts that give this species its common name.
Short Eared Owl takes flight
The owl alights from the fence post on another hunting expedition over the nearby farm fields.
This shot highlights the very prominent facial disk of this owl.
This shot highlights the owl's prominent facial disk.
The owl scans fields below for any sound or movement made by potential prey, even under the snow.
Short Eared Owl dives for prey
The owl dives straight toward its intended prey on the ground.
Lift off
A Short Eared Owl lifts off a branch with an intent gaze.
A closer view of the Short Eared as it lifts off a branch. This image highlights the owl's prominent facial disk, which aids in hearing the faintest sounds made by potential prey.
The owl is carefully watching and listening for movement under the snow.
A Short Eared Owl alights from a fence post to investigate possible prey in an Amherst Island farm field.
Curious mink
A mink pauses to investigate the photographer while searching for food along the south shore of Amherst Island.
Mink
This mink is squinting in the bright sunshine. The mink is more common than most people believe, although it can be elusive. It is a carnivore that will kill and eat mammals as large as muskrats or creatures as small as insects, and anything in between.
Always hunting
This mink is searching for prey along the Lake Ontario shoreline, possibly rodents hiding under the snow.
Mink on the prowl
This mink is searching for prey along the Lake Ontario shoreline, possibly rodents under the snow.
Bald Eagle
This mature Bald Eagle was perched in a tall deciduous tree, possibly taking a break from fishing in Lake Ontario. Although fish are it's preferred prey, it will kill and eat birds and small mammals as well.
