All the rangers and volunteers at Ding Darling seemed to be aware of the Eastern Screech-Owl's presence and where it was located. It was located exactly where we were told and was found sleeping in the cavity of a tree.
We can identify this owl as an Eastern Screech-Owl by the following:
- Small size.
- Raised pointed ear tufts. This is a very distinctive field mark.
- Rufous (reddish-brown) color. The Eastern Screech-Owl comes in two morphs: gray and rufous. This owl is the rufous morph.
- The complex band and spot pattern. This allows it to be camouflaged against tree bark.
- The fact that it is roosting in a tree cavity.
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a new species to our Life List, which now stands at 269.
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