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.

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. 

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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