According to Sibley Birds, the Long-eared Owl is rare and most often seen at winter roost sites where one to several birds spend the day hidden in dense foliage.

Apparently there are four roosting currently at Downsview Park and I was able to photograph two of them.

Other birds:

MAILBOX

For some reason, my favourite mammal. Not a great shot as you can see a weird reflection of my legs.  This was taken at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg.  When I was growing up in Winnipeg, I would go to the Zoo often.   Back in the day it was free and I would ride my bike over.  Now they have an enclosure and exploration area devoted to Polar Bears.  I believe their population is up to nine.  This happy guy played with me.  My sister-in-law could not believe it.  For all the times she has been to the Zoo, the bears never played in their pool.  This coming June we are (hopefully) going as a family to celebrate my niece’s wedding, which is on a Friday.  We already have plans to visit the bears on Saturday. My great nephew has the same love of Polar bears and can’t wait to see them with Auntie Lisa.  Thank you for your ongoing posts.  

NATURE POETRY

I  heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
‘We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,’
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.        – Oliver Herford (1863–1935)

Miles Hearn