Northern Hawk Owl
The Piermont, NH, Public Library will be hosting me to present my slideshow, An Uncommon Look at the Common Loon, next Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. in the Old Church Building in Piermont. That’s right across Route 10 from the Library, not far south of the Route 10 and 25 intersection. Free and everyone welcome.
Northern hawk owls are small owls that live in the boreal forest, mostly north of the US. They’re occasional visitors to New England. I’ve heard of two in New England this winter. One has been persisting in Pittsburg, NH for the last couple of weeks. I went up to visit last Sunday.
Northern hawk owls are daytime hunters. Many owls have ears that are asymmetrical – they’re a bit offset from center on their heads. This allows them to pinpoint noises and allow them to hunt by ear. Northern hawk owls have symmetrical ears which lessen their ability to hunt by ear. They behave more like hawks and use exceptional eyesight – they seem to be able to see small rodents at half a mile. This means they’re out and about during the day, making photography much easier.
Easier, not easy. The owl visiting New Hampshire seems to prefer telephone poles and wires for perches – hardly photogenic.
There were a couple flights of ducks along the river in Pittsburg. And, the bluebirds have been busy inspecting our bird boxes, we’re hopeful we’ll host them again this spring.
Lovely surprise to see these wonderful closeups of the Northern Hawk Owl I loved the one where it tilts its head looking down at you. Owls are my favorite bird. So great to spot them in the wild. Thank you for posting these.
Thank you so very much for sharing these photos — bringing us with you to this beautiful bird!
Oh Ian, these are wonderful photos of a bird I’ve never seen in the wild. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Gorgeous shots! Thank you for sharing these.
Thank you so much for sharing these fantastic pictures!! I have to wonder if the perch appeals to the bird because of camouflage – the patterns in the wooden pole, the insulator on the wire, or maybe just the view it offers!
A beautiful bird. Thank-you for sharing your photos, Eva
Ian: Utterly delightful photos; thank you for much for sharing your talent! I really enjoyed this (am viewing them from my winter home in Arizona!). Will share with Facebook unless you object. stunning.
Please share away!
Thank you so much.
These photos are a treat to behold. Thank you for posting your wonderful images of yet another magnificent creature.
Great photos, Ian. Fantastic resolution.
Here in Arizona we have great members of the owl family but not this marvelous Northern Hawk Owl. Fantastic pictures.
What a treat!