On Nov 20, 2016, at 7:54 PM, Hendrik Herlyn <hhactitis@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Nov 20, 2016, at 7:40 PM, Hendrik Herlyn <hhactitis@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hmmm - I don't know about the feathered tarsi. I just did an Internet search
of Little Owl and Burrowing Owl pics and also checked other resources.It
looks to me like both species have feathered tarsi, with Burrowing Owl
usually showing more sparsely feathered legs than Little Owls (even Sibley
illustrates them with feathered tarsi). In Little Owl, the feathering
usually extends down the toes, at least half-way, while Burrowing Owls tend
to have bare toes. Jason's photos show sparsely feathered tarsi and naked
toes.
I don't see much difference in the amount of white over the eyes and bills
in the two species - there seems to be quite a bit of variation. The Boiler
Bay bird looks almost wet, or at least somewhat disheveled, which may
account for the lack of white.
In my experience in Europe, Little Owls are cavity nesters, but always above
ground, in hollow trees, cracks in cliffs, chimneys, nest boxes, etc. They
usually perch in trees, on fence posts, or on roofs. They don't usually sit
on the ground, although I suppose they would if no good perches are
available.
Time to pay a little more attention to the legs of the next Burrowing Owl I
see! :)
Happy owling
Hendrik
