SLEEPING EASTERN SCREECH-OWL, INDIGO TRAIL, DING DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, SANIBEL, FL

   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.