Short-eared Owls: The Best Gig in Town

The rickety fence and bare-limbed trees at Doran Road (Lima, NY) speak to me.

Doran Road (Lima, NY) is my favorite place to bird in winter. The undulating country road dead ends into a spectacular 240-degree vista of the Finger Lakes. I can see Bristol ski mountain in the distance.

I love taking friends and guests down to Doran Road, especially non-birders. I always hope that one or more wicked-faced owls will help create a memorable experience for them.

In the last three weeks, I’ve made two such visits. First, I accompanied a new friend, Debra Ross (she publishes a fantastic local family website called Rochester.kidsoutandabout.com) and Mike Bergin (from 10000birds.com).  It was a good night with a handful of Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers. Mike spoke of that outing here.

Short-eared Owl observed with Mike and Debra. As you can see, I still haven't figured out how to photograph fast-flying raptors in near-dark conditions.

Last night, my family and I took my brother-in-law to see owls. It was windy and cold; so windy we used the van as a wind break.

Windy and cold.

In between being mauled by my enthusiastic boys, Richie scoped the horizon.

Richie sportin' some bins.

We were majorly disappointed to not find any owls but two gorgeous Northern Harriers gave a nice show.

Northern Harrier

We normally see 4-5 Northern Harriers and as many owls...but last night only two or three harriers made the show.

Owls remained scarce, even when we told the boys “Go into that field and act like voles!” The boys had brought their spy gear along, so the clanging Nerf guns and dark sunglasses probably blew their cover.

Owls were scarce, even though we told the boys "Go into that field and act like voles!"

Here Uncle Richie helps Jack demonstrate what it feels like to be a meadow vole at sunset along Doran Road…

This is what it feels like to be a meadow vole at sunset along Doran Road.

And though he might not have seen owls, two harriers and the owl-and-vole game made up for it.

Richie and Jackson

Owls or no owls, Doran Road is still the best gig in town.

Location: Doran and Townline Roads, Lima, NY.

Events: Nightly “Changing of the guard” show between Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls.  Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Shrikes occasionally appear on stage.

Admission: Free

View: Priceless