Last evening we went to an area near here that you can usually find Short-eared Owls during winter. They are such lively little (15" or 38cm) owls. They course across weedy fields in search for their prey. They are so active if you find an area where they hunt they are easy to see when they come out at dark.
Unfortunately we found one that was dead by the side of the road. It must have been hit by a vehicle. They look like a good sized bird when they are soaring but when you see one up close you can see that they are actually small. They appear to be all wings.
I took this opportunity to paint a couple of those wing feathers. Birding sometimes offers sad situations. I tried to make the best of it by honoring the little owl with a painting.
I want to wish you all a Happy Animal Wednesday.
