Lemdro.id

From Braddock Bay Bird Observatory

It's Northern Saw-whet Owl season at the banding station! We aren't banding any this February due to the deep snow (we can't even get down the driveway) and the cold temperatures, but they have been sighted in the woods surrounding us.

These photos of nine different owls from the fall of 2020 and the spring of 2021 show how much variation there is in the coloration and expression of these tiny hunters.

These compilations come out every so often From different banding projects and are always some of my favorites. I love seeing the variety of features they have.

From Jen Marie

I don't think this burrowing owl was impressed by his likeness on the sign.

I even give you a cat picture

Last one is frying me tho 😭

Picture related

Stolen from r/Marxism_memes

Appellate court quashes convictions linked to lease violations but Lai may still spend rest of his life in prison

A Hong Kong appellate court on Thursday overturned fraud convictions against the media mogul Jimmy Lai, a rare victory in the prominent pro-democracy activist’s legal battles.

Lai, 78, an outspoken critic of China’s ruling Communist party who founded the now defunct Apple Daily, will stay in prison because weeks ago he was sentenced to 20 years after being convicted in another case brought under a China-imposed national security law.

It is more than five years since he was arrested under the law, which was used in a years-long crackdown on many of Hong Kong’s leading activists.

From Jhonathan Miranda

For years I had wanted to see this owl, but it was only yesterday that I finally managed to see it. It is Asio flammeus - Short-eared Owl. The species is quite rare in Venezuela, where most records date back more than 20 years. This gem hunts during the day, and it doesn't just swoop down to capture its prey; it performs a series of fascinating maneuvers that are truly beautiful to watch. It glides very close to the ground, quite slowly, and suddenly brakes in the air, turns around and dives towards the ground, stretching out one of its legs, touching the ground, jumping and diving again... sometimes it stays hidden on the ground or sometimes it continues flying.

But the show doesn't end with its hunt, it also flies with a “smug look on its face,” although it also seems to have a “look of extreme laziness.” It's very curious that it always flies with its eyelids half closed and even with its eyes closed. I suppose its eyes capture too much light and it has to regulate that opening somehow so as not to be completely dazzled. A super interesting owl.

We waited eight hours for it, but it was 100% worth the wait. I think it's the easiest bird in flight to photograph, as it glides very slowly and moves quite predictably. I think it's been my favorite bird so far this year, and possibly the most beautiful owl. And yes, my 1310th/1433rd species in Venezuela!

The downside, like many other owls, is that it is unfortunately sought after by practitioners of Santeria for their sacrifices and rituals. It is also poisoned by the use of pesticides and hunted due to human ignorance.

I believe California was or is still is pushing a similar bill as well. Democrats are stupid to even consider this. Makes me further believe they are just controlled opposition at this point and either don't realize or dont care about the ramifications if this bill passes. Most of the internet runs on linux. This has never been about age verification and child safety and is just about controlling and the dismantling of a free and open internet.

From Carolina Raptor Center

Our first baby of the year has arrived!

This tiny Great Horned Owl is likely only a few days old. This owlet was transferred to us from the Carolina Wildlife Center after being found by a caring community member. Wanting to help, the finder followed advice they found online and offered the owlet egg yolk and sirloin.

It's important to say that this came from a place of compassion. The finder was trying their best and ultimately made the most important decision which was getting this baby in the right hands.

We do want to stress that feeding a any raptor can be dangerous. Baby birds of prey require a very specific diet, and their delicate down feathers and developing bodies can be harmed by improper food or feeding. If you find a bird that needs help, please avoid giving food or water and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator right away, like the Carolina Raptor Center.

When this owlet arrived, our team performed a careful intake exam, checked their breathing, gently cleaned egg residue from their feathers, and placed them in a warm incubator. They're now receiving specialized nutrition and expert care to ensure they have the best chance to grow up strong and return to the wild.

Want to help support and learn more about patients like this throughout the baby season? Join us for our upcoming Baby Shower on March 7th as we celebrate baby raptors and the work our dedicated team puts in to help them along in their journeys.

I love CRC! One of the first stops on my journey to becoming a raptor super-fan! Check out their Caracaras, King Vulture, and Chaco Owl!

why is the last one frying me tho 😭