As a teenager, I took the long TTC trip from Scarborough to Downsview Air Force Base every Thursday evening to rehearse with the RCAF Band.
The Base has now been turned into an extensive park with many trails both paved and dirt. I had a look at it on this day.







I have noticed that the people who have the most success in finding owls closely examine every thicket of evergreens.
I did just that and was pleased to have an owl fly just in front of me. I followed it from shrub to shrub:






Eventually this Long-eared Owl seemed to have confidence in me and allowed me to approach:







Long-eared Owls are considered rare and are found in forested areas in both Europe and North America. In Ontario, they are most frequently found in fall and winter.

Other birds:















NATURE POETRY
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good. – Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809–92)
Miles Hearn
Fantastic, absolutely fantastic (and for real!) Miles! Wonderful pictures. What a great way to start the day (and I guess the New Year, too). Thank you so much!
Great shots!’
thanks, Miles – must get way out there some time. Thanks for the great tips on how to find these beautiful owls and your super photos.
You must be the bird whisperer! I’ve never seen a long- eared owl. What a beautiful bird.
Great photos of the long-eared owl. I especially like the close up.
Beautiful captures of these birds especially the owl 🦉! A friend who has been birding with you shared your email posts. Very much enjoyed.