There are two owls in this photograph. Long-eared Owls have a color pattern that makes them very inconspicuous in the cedar and fir trees where they roost during the day. These two came a little further out into the open than usual. The temperature was about 15F (-9C) and the March sun was shining directly on them when they perched in this spot. I am pretty sure that they were trading off a little security for some warmth.
Long-eared Owls have been roosting at this spot for several winters. The location is on state owned land and rangers have set up some markers and signage to ask people to give the birds the space they need to rest comfortably and safely. They are not very large birds and forcing them out into the open saps their energy and exposes them to crows, ravens and hawks. Thankfully people have given them the respect that they deserve.
Birds in My Viewfinder 
Had to download and enlarge to find the second owl. Great camouflage! By the way, I first learned how to spell the word “camouflage” in 6th grade, while we sat and read all those army comics David Kent (RIP) brought in when Sr. Dippnette (sp?) would fume and clam up after someone (who knew WHO she was looking at?) screwed up. I started pronouncing it CAM- OW FLAAGE so I would remember. I also ran into “hedgerows” for the first time in those comics…and at first wondered what a HEAD-GER-ROW was?
So…how ARE you? Heading this way anytime soon? Look us up!
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a great example of “hiding in plain sight”…they really do blend in there!
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