Short-eared Owl

Here is a Short-eared Owl that we saw in the Galapagos.

Almost all of the photos, from the Galapagos, that I've seen of this species show the bird as being a darker brown than the individuals that I've seen here in Canada. The colour seems to help them blend in very well with the dark black and brown lava rocks.

We spotted this individual from quite a distance away. I was taking some record shots when it flew a bit further away before pouncing on something. Within seconds it took off again, flying towards us with is prey, a White-vented Storm Petrel. Storm Petrels are a favourite prey of this species.

In the end the bird landed about 12 meters (40 feet) from us and preceded to prepare its meal.

Images created on April 20, 2019 on Isla Genovesa, Galapagos, Ecuador. Cropped for composition as the bird was still far away.

Nice set of pictures, First one is amazing.

Thank you very much Viraj.

Nice clean shots of a beautiful bird.

Thank you.

Very cool Stephen, and great shots. I didnt know you ventured out to the Galapagos, what a trip of a lifetime that must have been!