Hoot, Mon Dieu! A Guide to the Feathered Phantoms of Colorado Springs
Ever heard a spooky hoot echoing through the crisp Colorado Springs night? No, it's not your neighbour practicing their monster impersonation (although, that would be a story for another day). It's probably one of the many magnificent owl species calling Colorado Springs home!
These silent ninjas of the night are both beautiful and fascinating creatures, and with a little owl awareness, you might just be lucky enough to spot one on your next adventure. So, grab your metaphorical bat (because disturbing actual owls is a big no-no) and let's delve into the world of Colorado Springs' resident owls!
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| What Owls Are In Colorado Springs |
Who are the Usual suspects?
Colorado Springs boasts a fair few feathered friends. Here's a quick rundown of the most common owls you might encounter:
The Great Horned Owl: The Big Kahuna: This oversized owl, with its impressive wingspan and hilarious "feathered eyebrows," is the undisputed ruler of the Colorado Springs owl scene. They're not afraid to take on prey bigger than themselves, so watch out, backyard bunnies!
The Screech Owl: The Tiny Tenor: Don't let their size fool you, these little guys have a powerful screech that can pierce the night. They come in two flavours: Eastern and Western, but trust us, you won't need a degree in owl identification to appreciate their cuteness.
The American Barn Owl: The Ghost of the Farm: This pale owl with a heart-shaped face looks like it escaped a Halloween costume party. They favour open spaces and farms, silently gliding on their fluffy wings in search of unsuspecting rodents.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
But wait, there's more!
This is just a taste of the owls you might find in Colorado Springs. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Northern Saw-whet Owl, the wide-winged Short-eared Owl, or even the adorable Flammulated Owl (seriously, look it up, it's like a tiny ball of fluff with giant eyes!).
Important Owl-serving Tip:
Never shine a flashlight directly in an owl's eyes. It can disorient them and stress them out. If you see an owl, admire it from afar and let it continue its reign of nighttime terror (cute, cuddly terror, that is).
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
How to Become an Owl Spotting Extraordinaire:
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- Hit the Trails at Night: Owls are most active at night, so dust off your headlamp and head out after dusk.
- Listen Up!: Owls are excellent communicators. Learn their calls and you might just identify one before you even see it.
- Patience is a Virtue: Don't expect an owl show every night. Be patient, keep your eyes peeled, and you might just get lucky!
Bonus: How-To Owl FAQs
How to identify an owl pellet?
Owl pellets are basically owl barf (sorry to burst the bubble). They're full of bones and fur from the owl's prey. If you find one, you can dissect it (with adult supervision, of course!) to see what the owl munched on.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
How to attract owls to my backyard?
Owls are natural pest controllers, so attracting them can be a good thing. Put up a nest box, but make sure it's designed for owls, not other birds.
How to tell the difference between an owl and a hawk?
Owls are typically active at night and have excellent hearing. Hawks are daytime predators with keen eyesight. Generally, owls have round faces and hawks have hooked beaks.
How to help a baby owl I found?
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
Baby owls, called owlets, are often out of their nests but not abandoned. Leave them alone and their parents will take care of them. If you're really worried, contact a wildlife rehabber.
How to respect owls?
Observe owls from a distance, don't disturb them with loud noises or lights, and never try to handle one. They're wild animals, not cuddly pets!
So there you have it, folks! With a little knowledge and a dash of patience, you might just become the next great Colorado Springs owl spotter. Just remember, these feathered friends deserve our respect and admiration. Now, go forth and explore the world of Colorado Springs' nocturnal wonders!
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