Oh, you may have missed the trick here. This is the back of this owl's head, and those are fake eyes, called ocelli.
If you have the chickadee pic I'd still like to see it. đ
The face is so perfect!
I like its tiny tail, like they almost forgot to stick one back there. đĽ°
Eurasian Scops is mad people always share this pic someone took of him when he wasn't ready instead of one where he looks totally adorbs! đ
Oh, it's not my work! My work is just finding these great photos to share. I only have my Pixel 's camera! đ
This is from a fella named Dan Lowth. I didnt see a site of his own, but he's on as danlowthphotography on a number of social media platforms.
It feels like the prototype, while the Northern is the finished product. The essential bits are there, but they're kinda crude in comparison.
Like the wing pattern and the face are just very plain compared to the Northern. There's nothing wrong with the Unspotted, but everything on the Northern feels like it would be counted as an upgrade if you were speccing one out.
I felt a little bad saying it, but an apple or potato that gets left on the counter too long was the first thing that came to mind!
I'm glad you like it! The Golden Hour type photos seem to always be a really big hit.
I don't know anything about photography, but I've been paying a little more attention lately to camera info to see if I can pick up on how some of the different cameras have different effects on aspects of the photo. I'm not sure what is the camera and editing after the fact, but I feel there's a few things that seem to feel consistently different.
I couldnt really explain any of it yet, but as I'm pretty used to the actual owls in a lot of the photos, I start to look more at other things in them to try to find special things of interest in them for myself.
Much of it seems to be regular upkeep of existing facilities. They're the 3rd largest pharma company in the world, so they have a sizeable presence almost everywhere already. This seems just like PR for things that have likely been planned long before now.
From Roche's Press Release:
As part of this investment, Roche will increase its existing footprint of more than 25,000 employees in 24 sites across eight US states. The investment will include:
-Expanded and upgraded US manufacturing and distribution capabilities for its innovative medicines and diagnostics portfolio in Kentucky, Indiana, New Jersey, Oregon and California
-A state-of-the-art gene therapy manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania
-A new 900,000 square foot manufacturing centre to support Rocheâs expanding portfolio of next generation weight loss medicines (location to be announced)
-A new manufacturing facility for continuous glucose monitoring in Indiana
-A new R&D centre in Massachusetts, conducting cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research and serving as hub for our new cardiovascular, renal and metabolism research and development efforts
-Significant expansion and upgrading of our existing pharmaceuticals and diagnostics R&D centres in Arizona, Indiana and California
Roche is a Swiss company with a strong heritage in more than 130 countries globally.
We are proud of our 110 year legacy in the United States.
The buff colored belly is very reminiscent of a young Northern Saw Whet.
The Unspotted has more of a sliced fruit undergoing enzymatic reaction face. đ
It does seem to lack that innocent and childish look of the Northern.
This USW looks a little happier. I'm not sure if there's just less "cute" photos due to it being more remote, or if it has more of a 'tude than its Canadian cousin.
I like how it's framed nicely between the trees.
Volunteer pika watchers wanted in the Columbia River Gorge (Oregon)
Want to volunteer to help save the precious little Pika? If you'd like to observe, count, and record data on these little ones, the state of Oregon can make your dreams come true!
From Oregon Live
If you love spending time outside with a pair of binoculars, spying on adorable little critters, then this is the job for you.
The Oregon Zoo is once again seeking volunteer pika watchers to scan Columbia River Gorge terrain for the tiny, squeaking mammals.
Pikas are small, potato-sized members of the rabbit family known for their distinctive chirps, squeaks and screams that are used to protect their territory, typically found in rocky talus slopes. While the American pika is usually seen at higher elevations, there is a lower-level population in the Columbia Gorge.
Every summer, volunteers with the Cascades Pika Watch, a collaboration that is convened by the zoo, g
A Second Saw Whet?!
From Bjorn Olesen
The Unspotted Saw-whet Owl is a small nocturnal raptor species. It is a Middle American endemic, restricted to humid pine-oak and cloud forests, and feeds small vertebrates such as rodents, small birds, and bats. Knowledge of the natural history of Unspotted Saw-whet Owl is very limited.
At Paraiso Quetzal Lodge - Km 70, San JosĂŠ, Costa Rica
I don't think we've covered this little one yet!
This is an Unspotted Saw Whet. It is found in southern Mexico through Panama. It is cousin to our OotY, the Northern Saw Whet. Unlike the Northern SW, not much is known about the Unspotted.
Parking Lot Attendant
From Rick Thome
This vehicle is not registering! Great Gray resting on a sign between hunts. From the awesome Two Harbors owl immersion of '25.
Caught Him Staring...
...or did he?!
When i first took this shot i thought the little shit was looking at me...... then.....
One theory is that large false eyes may create the illusion that the owl is much bigger than its 6 and 3/4- inch size.
A more current theory is that the false eyes help protect the pygmy-owl's true eyes. Small birds will mob this diurnal owl, even striking it, directing some attacks at its eyes.
I haven't heard either of these, but it's as good a guess as any. The owls aren't sharing the truth with us!
A Tiskett, A Taskett...
From Hoo's Woods
Two Baby Owls in a Basket!
Springtime means baby owls, and these two great horned owlets recently admitted had a rough start.
At just 3 ½ weeks old, they were blown out of their nest in high winds. There was a third baby but sadly it didn't survive the fall, but thanks to a caring finders and WI DNR Warden Adam, Tisket and Tasket are now safe in our care.
Tisket suffered a wing fracture, but the good news-it's well-positioned and won't require surgery. With time, a good diet and low stress environment, both owlets are expected to make a full recovery and will be released or rehomed when ready.
If you find a baby raptor in distress or just uncertain if it needs intervention, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
Good Morning, Barn Owl
From Dan Lowth
I'll always be in awe of any Barn Owl that I see, but one in this light is an amazing experience to witness.
Have a great day all of you x
I'm glad you both got to understand each other! They never understand our intentions, especially if they've only ever known bad people. But just like people, with some compassion and time, we can be friends with almost anyone.
I went to see friends once and they had adopted an abused rescue. I dont know what it was, but it was a pretty large mixed breed dog. It was fairly skittish around me, but they said he went nuts for ice cubes. They gave me a big handful to toss to him. He excitedly ate about 10 cubes, and upon holding my hand open to show that was it, it immediately tore into my hand.
Oh boy, did that hurt! I got a nasty hole in my finger, but I couldn't get mad. He musta been through some stuff to make him that way because he was nice around everyone else there that he had gotten time to get used to. Needless to say, I gave up on making close friends with him at that point. Even I don't need to be told twice like that! đ
I forgot about that scene. đ
The eagle owls are the heavyweight division of owl. This owl, aka The Devil Bird, is the 6 largest (by length).
Time to Weigh The Babies!
One of our current guests getting their daily weight check.
One was a bit loud and fussy, but they are so stinking cute!
They are super cute! We've got 2 at the clinic now just a smidge bigger than these.
They got to do a cute Easter egg hunt enrichment yesterday, of course not when I was there. đ
My jobsite is a large campus in the middle of a bunch of highways. We have a little stream and trees and areas of tall grass and there are a bunch of deer here. They much away right next to the roadway and even when I shout Hello or Goodbye to them, most wont even twitch their ears and just keep eating. They must feel they are in some paradise or oasis. Safe from cars and no predators, they barely pay us any mind. If you're running in a park or something, they've probably seen people aren't much of a bother, and they probably even get food from some people.
Confess. Confess! CONFESS! đ
Those poor birds can't eat a thing off that table! đ¤¨
Looks like they have some free admission Mothers/Fathers Day events too.
Too bad their store isn't online, they have a cool logo for merch.
I stopped by on my way to Gatlinburg and it was well worth it.
She's got an important job only she can do!
These barred owls are challenging my birding ethics
From Bangor Daily News
by Bob Duchesne, Good Birding
April 18, 2025
I have a pair of barred owls challenging my birding ethics.
Yes, birding ethics are a thing, and have been codified by the American Birding Association to promote respect for birds, people and the law.
Part 1(b) of the code is especially pertinent to my situation: âAvoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger. Be particularly cautious around active nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display sites, and feeding sites.â
The barred owls in my neighborhood are preparing to nest, apparently close to my morning walking route. I see one of the owls almost daily. And it sees me.
Am I stressing it?
If my latest encounter is any indication, the answer is no. I was enjoying the solitude of the woodland path last week, when suddenly there was an unearthly squeal 50 yards
Snickers the Foster Mom
From Liberty Wildlife
Foster great horned owl momma "Snickers" with two recent orphans. Our non-releasable birds of prey often get the maternal instinct at this time of year. They will willingly take orphans of their own species to raise as their own. Upon release, the babies are then more fit to survive in the wild as they have little chance of being imprinted on humans.
Horns Up!
From Carrie Gilbert
Golden hour and a short eared owl! Edison, WA
Spot Bellied Eagle Owl
From Ramanji Nayak
Western Ghats, India
Carolina Raptor Center Reaches Patient #27,000!
Meet a very special bird - our 27,000th patient in our Raptor Hospital!
Patient #27000 is a baby Barred Owl that lost its nest during a wind storm. This baby is currently rooming with another young Barred Owl in our care, and we are hoping that we can renest both soon!
I've visited CRC and it's a great place!
If you're wondering why they are sporting some colored hairdos, that is a dye marker so the care team knows who's who.
If there's more than one animal kept together, this makes identifying them easy so their specific feeding and care instructions can be followed.
Rare UK Owl Sighting!
From Dave Newman
14 only ever recorded in the UK and 2 in Lincolnshire, the Dark Breasted Barn Owl from this morning.
What a display â¤ď¸â¤ď¸â¤ď¸
40 more pics in this set for anyone not avoiding Facebook...
I tried to grab you guys a decent sample of what the photographer had.
Bunny Hop!
From Fei Cheng
Burrowing Owl - A little feather ball floating in the air đĽ°
March, 2025 Central WA
Bunny Ears
From National Centre for Birds of Prey
"See the prey, feel the prey, BE the prey!" Harley doing his best bunny rabbit impression for Easter.
Those big feathery tufts on Harley's head are actually called "plumicorns" (literally "feather horns") and are used for camouflage and communication with other owls.
Harley, Eurasian eagle owl
Happy Easter, 420 Day, or just plain old happy Sunday to all of you!
Leafy Tree
From Mike Kilberg
Barred owls love big leafy trees as a great roosting spot. This barred owl particularly loves this tree as it has a nice view of the nest location.
Maryland 4/9/25
Fuzzy Memories
From Harold Wilion
Taken last week, I don't think anyone has posted this owl for a while. The photo is certainly not unique, but I figured if your memory is as bad as mine, you won't remember, so figured I'd throw it out there.
A Look of Concern
From Freedom First
This is Maple's reaction when I wear something new... in this case it was a headband. She fluffs out and will not look away..so concerned! Lol
(Maple is in an indoor cage waiting for her annual physical before returning outside to her aviary
The Adaptable, Continental Great Horned Owl (and an interesting discovery about snowshoe hares!)
A great horned owl chick perches on the trans-Alaska pipeline near Wiseman. (Photo by Ned Rozell)
By Ned Rozell | Alaska Science Published: April 11, 2025
Reader Todd Mackinaw recently admired how the great horned owl can thrive from the Brooks Range in Alaska all the way to Uruguay in South America.
The knee-high owl, known for its âplumicornsâ â tufts above its ears that resemble horns â haunts every forested bit of Alaska.
Right about now, in early April, many female great horned owls are sitting on nests they have borrowed from other large birds â no owls build their own nest) Or they are warming eggs atop witchesâ brooms â dense tangles of spruce branches caused by a fungus.
*A female great horned owl sits on eggs on part of the chapel building