From Bruce Buckingham
88 grams of beauty. Saw-Whet owl, Catawba Island, 11/18/25. Caught using mist net during banding operations.
From Bruce Buckingham
88 grams of beauty. Saw-Whet owl, Catawba Island, 11/18/25. Caught using mist net during banding operations.
Saw Whet is a great competitor. IMO they have all the charming expressions of a Snowy, a diversity of facial coloring that makes each one look distinct that many owls lack, and their minute stature makes them cute instead of scary, no matter how angry they really are. White Face has the best color combo, a nice moustache, and a funny, quizzical look, but no offense to WF or its fans, but it’s a bit of a one-trick owl.
I’m hardly one to talk as a Great Horned fan, I think they are the emblematic owl of the Americas, but if we’re talking cuteness in every category, Saw Whet has every box checked off, and each time you see a new one, it feels different than the last so it stays fresh. It’s going to be a tough returning champion.
Heck yeah it is. But what a field! Milky Eagle - the perpetual Dark Horse, Powerful Owl - you know its fans are rabid (and possibly shitfaced), the intriguing, mysterious Speccy . . . And let’s not forget the top seed - Buffy Fish! Will they topple established Snowies and Barnies? Is this LEO’s year? Only time . . . and the superbowl fans . . . Will tell.
Yup, it all depends on who shows up to do the voting and what mood they’re all in. Small and sweet? Big and powerful? An old favorite or a stunning newcomer? Only time will tell!