The Short Eared Owl is an excellent long distance flyer. It can be found in parts of Africa, both Americas, including the Caribbean and Galapagos, Asia, and Europe. It's even made it all the way to Hawaii and is still found occasionally on ships far out to sea.
The Shortie may not always appear to have ear tufts-they are indeed very short! It is medium sized and fairly stocky. It soars over open ground hunting mainly small mammals, and it is also a ground nester, finding a nice secluded divot usually next to some foliage for cover.
It is also famous for its mating display, soaring high and then clapping its wings to get the attention of the lady owls.
This owl comes dressed to impress with its bold looks and is seeking your vote today.
The Barking Owl, aka Barking Boobook or Winking Owl, is native to Australia and a few surrounding areas. As you may have guessed, it is known for its dog-like barking, though it has a range of vocalizations.
The Barking Owl has one of the most diverse diets of any Australian owl, taking mice, bats, sugar gliders, possums (not the same as opossums!), and rabbits.
Though not as dramatic in appearance as the Short Eared, it still has that great Boobook profile, and some great facial expressions. Will the darling from Down Under get your vote today?
#owloftheyear2025 #superbowl
Short Eared
This smocky eyes look (*_*)
It always makes me so happy to see that look! It makes the eyes so beautiful.
(Smokey is the proper spelling, just for reference. Not being fussy, I just think I've seen you spell it the other way a few times.)
I typed the word 4 times unable to recognised the right spelling. Thank you (^_^)
It can be tricky on some occasions in English. One of our national parks is the Great Smoky Mountains (which are very beautiful!) named after how all the fog in the valleys makes them look smokey. I'm not sure where the other E in smokey went, but Smoky is the name.
It looks like a painting. How pretty.
I didn't expect it to look as good in person, and though I didn't see it at sunrise or sunset, it was still astoundingly beautiful.
If saner times return to the world, I'd recommend anyone to come see them.