First sighting of baby Barred Owls of the season!
Yesterday we saw our first group of owls, from a distance- at least 5 or 6 adults and a couple of babies- my first Parliament sighting! And today, June 28, I was able to get closer to two of the babies. They would let me get close and then they would fly deeper into the woods! Needless to say, I had to follow.
They have such a soft, downy sweetness to them- you just want to climb up the tree and shower them with kisses. I restrain myself.
Today, I also read about the first sighting ever in Peru of the long-whiskered owlet, described as the "holy grail of South American ornithology." Their forest habitat is being destroyed and the owlets, among the smallest of all owls, are particularly vulnerable with their small range.There may be as few as 250 of them left. Luckily, this little guy below was spotted in a conservation area in the northern part of the country- so maybe they can stage a comeback. Locals are also hoping the sighting will boost eco-tourism in the reserve.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070326073816.htm.
I also posted an amazing story on Facebook (waking planet) of an owl that picked up skate boarding (you can't make this stuff up) on his own, has his own miniature board and loves it!
So blessed to be having a lovely owly day.
