Mystery Owl

["Steve Carr" <stevecarr9 at msn dot com>]

By this time of year, fledgling owls will be the same size as the 
adults, except for the tail length.  This immature bird shows the breast 
streaking that is typical of a Northern Pygmy Owl, and the 6-7" size 
would be appropriate.  To my knowledge, the underparts of all other 
owls, especially smaller ones, all have softer, fluffier horizontal 
markings in contrast to this fellow.  The head pattern is not very 
distinct, but the eyebrows are also typical, as are the wing markings, 
for the NOPO.  This guy appears a little underweight, but, hopefully, 
it's waiting for the parent to swing by with a tasty vole.

This is a good picture and a good find.  Wish I'd been there.

--Steve Carr


_______________________________________________

"Utah Birds" web site: http://www.utahbirds.org
     BirdTalk:
To subscribe, e-mail:  birdtalk-subscribe@utahbirds.org
To unsubscribe, e-mail:  birdtalk-unsubscribe@utahbirds.org
To send a message, e-mail:  birdtalk@utahbirds.org
_________________________________________________