Thursday, October 11, 2012

Birds of Prey: Western Screech Owl

While this bird of prey may be minuscule, the Western Screech Owl (Megascops kennicottii) waits on perches to swoop down on unsuspecting prey.  They are active at night or near dusk, using their excellent hearing and night vision to locate prey.  It's diet is mainly small mammals, birds, and large insects.  Thanks to the Black Hills Raptor Center and the 2012 Black Hills Photo Shootout, we had the opportunity to spend a morning with this beautiful bird named Boo.

Birds of Prey Western Screech Owl by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills Megascops kennicottii Photo Shootout Boo

Boo is just a stunning 5 ounces in weight, but makes up for it in his stare down.  Amazingly, Boo, is blind in one eye and likely deaf in the ear on the same side of his head.  The photograph below shows how nature has chosen to camouflage Boo to match into the natural surroundings. 

Birds of Prey Western Screech Owl by Dakota Visions Photography LLC Black Hills Megascops kennicottii Photo Shootout Boo

Please join us in supporting the mission of the Black Hills Raptor Center by making a donation today at their website.  The center relies on contributions to keep the animal ambassadors ready to greet the community and teach the children about the wonderful, wild world of nature.

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.  Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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2 comments:

  1. These shots are totally fabulous, my friend! Great details here, and I love how you fully captured the spirit and character of Boo here!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Sir Toad! I appreciate your comments and have to admit this was a selfishly fun shoot!

    ReplyDelete

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