19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Short-eared Owls on watch

While searching for raptors in a large north-central Ohio prairie relict, I came across this pair of Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus). I first noticed the owl atop the snag, and after training my camera on that bird, I saw the second below. While Short-eared Owls are primarily nocturnal, they will hunt during the day, especially in the crepuscular hours. A main prey item is the Meadow Vole, and the owls are always on the watch for them.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Marion, Ohio, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © Jim McCormac