Embark on a Birdwatching Adventure: Discover Owls, Eagles, and More
The spectacled owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), known as the buho de anteojos or oropopo in Spanish, is a large and powerful nocturnal bird found in Costa Rica. Averaging around 19 inches tall and weighing about 2 pounds, with females slightly larger than males, these owls are characterized by their dark brown heads, white lines around their yellow eyes, and wings. They primarily hunt at dusk, preying on large insects, lizards, frogs, birds, rodents, and larger mammals. Vincent Losasso, founder of Guanacaste Wildlife Monitoring, has documented numerous sightings of these owls during the dry season in Guanacaste.
In a separate event, Odin, an eagle owl, went missing from the Dounby Show, prompting a search effort that includes volunteers and a Swiss holidaymaker. Odin, part of Skaill House Falconry, is known for his large size and striking eyes. The search for Odin has seen significant community involvement, with many volunteers assisting in efforts to locate the bird.
In Massachusetts, the upcoming sales tax-free holiday offers an opportunity for birdwatchers to purchase or upgrade their binoculars and spotting scopes. Popular sizes for birdwatching binoculars are 8×42 or 10×42, which provide magnifications that bring birds closer while considering ease of use. Prices for binoculars range widely, with many quality options available for a few hundred dollars. Key features to consider include magnification, field of view, close focus, waterproof capability, and eye relief.
Meanwhile, birdwatching enthusiasts in Philadelphia can enjoy observing hundreds of bird species without leaving the city. Guides and tips are available to enhance the experience, emphasizing the importance of not disturbing birds and their habitats. In related news, an injured juvenile eagle found along State Road 80 in Palm Beach County was successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Other notable eagle sightings include a mature eagle with its young in South Bay, Florida, and adult bald eagles in Wisconsin and Milwaukee County.
