Western Screech-Owl, Another Birding First!

We had heard that there was a Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) at San Pedro House in Arizona.

So as we had never seen this Screech Owl, we headed to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area near Sierra Vista in Southern Arizona. Our friends Michelle and Dennis had shown us a phone picture of the “hole” where the owl resided “in a big Cottonwood Tree”.

We arrived in early afternoon, walked around San Pedro House, marveling at the old and large Cottonwood trees and located the hole. Set up the camera and lens on the tripod and waited.. and waited.. and waited.

Then just before sunset, the owl showed itself. The light changes very quickly near sunset in Southern Arizona at this time of year. But it was great for the Owl to pose for us, albeit very aware of us, for so long.

Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) in the Sweet Light just before sunset

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Gear: Nikon Z6 ii; Nikon MB-Z11; Nikon ATZ adaptor; Nikkor 600.0mm f/4 VR II; Nikkor TC-17 EII; Nikkor TC-20 EIII; RRS TVC-34L Tripod and Full Gimbal Head; Sony Digital Film.

One Response to “Western Screech-Owl, Another Birding First!”

  1. Mary Davis says:

    What a beauty!

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