Both entrants today have had very solid campaigns so far. The Great Horned beat the Sooty and then had a major win against the beloved Burrowing Owl. Saw Whet got past the Barred Owl and the well liked Buffy Fish Owl. No one could deny either if these owls has a place in the final four.
Great Horned is a legend. Large and powerful with a bellowing hoot. The mightiest hunting owl of the Americas. They have a 5ft / 1.5m wingspan, and only the Snowy outweighs it. Ask someone to describe an owl to you, and they will likely describe to you the mighty Great Horned.
Saw Whet is short and sweet. It's one of the smallest owls, with a chirping call that is quite unique. Though small, its diet is more similar to an owl like the Great Horned than the diet of other small owls. The charming face belies wonderful hunting talent. It migrates to follow its opportunities for success, and that's what it's looking to do today.
Who will be your third banner owl and semi-finalist? Upvote them now!
#superbowl #owloftheyear2024
I once participated at a bird banding station that was set up for saw whet owls. To check their weight the birds were turned upside down in tiny tomato paste cans and put on a scale. They are so tiny when the floof gets compacted.
Haha yes, I've seen the canned owl in videos! I went to one last year but we didn't catch anything. Still got s'mores though and got to see some live birds and handle some specimens.
They're mainly feathers and eyeballs with some stuff attached to hold it all together. 😁