For The Owl Folks...

[photographmemories]

A little piece of owl trivia.

Which species of owl is this one?

 

[Bill Anderson]

Just looking through my Sibley's, I am guessing flammulated owl.

 

[photographmemories]

Nope, try again.

 

[Bill Anderson]

Is it native to North America?

 

[photographmemories]

Is it native to North America?

Yes, this is native to North America!

 

[photographmemories]

Joe, you have been absent the past couple weeks, I hope all is well. This thread could use your expertise!

 

[JaniceL]

Taking a wild guess . . . a spotted owl.

 

[photographmemories]

You got it Janice!

This is Hazel, the resident spotted owl from the Audubon Society. According to Hazel's handler, the vet really doesn't know why her feathers are turning abnormally white in areas.




Chad

 

[JaniceL]

I was wondering about those feathers. Interesting.

 

[Joemeche]

Joe, you have been absent the past couple weeks, I hope all is well. This thread could use your expertise!

Flew into SeaTac late last night after 2 weeks in Baja Sur, and then there was the drive home! Good birds, hot and dry, etc., and now back to chilly and wet! Good to be home, though.
This SPOW appears to be a very leucistic rendition.

 

[fiznatty]

I've seen some photos of leucistic owls before. Not all white, but with some white plumage here and there. I wonder if it's something similar in this case.

Max

 

[photographmemories]

Welcome back Joe! Be sure to post some of those pics.

Fiz and Joe, thanks for your insight. From what the lady was saying, Hazel's feathers have gone from more normal colors for a spotted owl to turning white in areas over the past few years. Hazel is approximately 12. The Audubon Society has had her for about 10 years. BTW, Spotted Owls in captivity can live to be 25 years old.



Chad

 

[Bill Anderson]

This is Hazel, the resident spotted owl from the Audubon Society. According to Hazel's handler, the vet really doesn't know why her feathers are turning abnormally white in areas.

No wonder I couldn't identify the owl, she was wearing a disguise.

From what the lady was saying, Hazel's feathers have gone from more normal colors for a spotted owl to turning white in areas over the past few years. Hazel is approximately 12. The Audubon Society has had her for about 10 years. BTW, Spotted Owls in captivity can live to be 25 years old.

What hair I have left has been turning gray/white for the past 30+ years, no doubt due in part to my children.

More power to Hazel. I hope she lives far beyond 25 years of age.