Birds in Vancouver(Short-eared Owl)-Vol.29 温哥华鸟类 (短耳鸮)

The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is one of the most iconic raptors seen across the coastal wetlands of Delta, British Columbia, during the winter months. Distinguished by its mottled brown plumage, bright yellow eyes, and subtle ear tufts visible only when alert, this owl is both graceful and powerful. Unlike most owls, it is often active during daylight, particularly in the late afternoon and at dusk. Flying low over open fields and marshes, it hunts voles and small birds with buoyant, moth-like movements. Migrating south from northern breeding grounds each autumn, the Short-eared Owl has become a seasonal highlight for birdwatchers and photographers, embodying the quiet drama and natural beauty of the Delta’s winter landscape.

短耳鸮（Short-eared Owl，学名 Asio flammeus）是冬季出现在不列颠哥伦比亚三角洲（Delta）沿海湿地的标志性猛禽之一。它以浅褐色羽毛、暗纹斑点和明亮的黄色眼睛著称，外形优雅而警觉。尽管名为“短耳”，但那对小羽簇通常在警觉时才会显现。与多数猫头鹰不同，短耳鸮常在白昼活动，尤其在黄昏前后猎食。它们在开阔的芦苇地和草原上低空滑翔，捕捉田鼠与小鸟，飞行姿态轻盈而灵巧。每年秋冬，这些来自北方的候鸟迁徙至三角洲湿地越冬，吸引了众多观鸟者与摄影师前来记录这充满野性与优雅的身影。

 

Short-eared Owl 短耳鸮 | Canon R5 + EF 400 5.6L