Northern Saw-Whet Owl
There are wonderful people out in the world that share their great love and care for injured wildlife. Liz Owen of Raptors Eye is one of those kind and generous people. A registered nurse who has over the years taken care of countless injured birds and animals. Holding a Department of Natural Resources permit for rehabilitation of birds and raptors, she has spent time at Watkins Nature Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Taking care of a small group of owls that have been injured in the wild, Liz shares the joy of these little raptors with the world around her. Taking her show on the road, Liz provides an in-depth presentation about the owls, showing the different species and describing their lifestyles.
Starting with the smallest owl, this little Northern Saw-Whet Owl was as cute as could be. Barely the size of a fist, this owl is blind in one eye, making it difficult to fly and hunt.
Northern Saw-Whet Owl
Placing him back into his covered cat box, Liz and her partner brought out two Eastern Screech Owls.
Eastern Screech Owl
Eastern Screech Owl
Showing the different colors these screech owls are in nature, she began to show how they blend into their environment. When wandering in the woods and you begin wondering if you’re in owl country, look at the bark of trees for white poo markings.
Eastern Screech Owl
You can see how well the brown one blends into the tree environment, making them difficult to see in the wild. I always thought Owls were larger than what they really are. It really helped to see Liz’s owls to know what they look like. Liz also showed the small size of their nest holes in the tree. Imagine seeing an eye look at you through this little peep hole.
Eastern Screech Owl
But these two adorable screech owls were about to be outdone by their big brother.
This is one of those times when my mind must have wandered for a moment, because I didn’t hear Liz say what type of Owl this is. However, my best guess is that it is an older Eastern Screech Owl. Please feel free to let me know if you think otherwise. This little one was great at giving the evil eye, and was having fun having a stare-down contest with his little brother. (Ok..they may be girls.)
Eastern Screech Owl
Saving the best for the last, Liz brought out a large Barred Owl that was blind in his left eye. This owl has been with Liz for the longest time, and you can see the relationship between raptor and woman.
Liz Owen with a Barred Owl
It is mating season and this Barred Owl liked showing his presence.
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
It was a wonderful presentation and being near these owls was a fantastic experience. I understand Liz Owen and her owls are frequent participants in the annual Patuxent Wildlife and Art Show and Sale being held on March 23 – 25, 2013. Located at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, Maryland, this show will celebrate 75 years of wildlife research and conservation.
A special thank you goes out to Lisa Bierer Garrett of the Anne Arundel Bird Club for information about Liz Owen and her owls.
Categories: Birds, Foot Prints, Nature
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Beautiful birds!
Thank you so much Christina ! I was truly in awe of them.
Mwah has been waiting for you to show and tell and it’s worth the wait, Ms. Bella. I big thank for Liz Owen for her dedication to save life. Oh, how this post makes my heart glow. You are awesome, Bella.
It is truly my pleasure to share the warmth Seeker. Of course I had to share the owls first, just for you! They were really awesome and I think I’ll follow them in their next outing.
Aww, that’s is so thoughtful of you. Thank you. I like the evil eye, the starring eye match. the blind one is lucky and then some. Have great day.
Love the evil eye one also. I’m not sure if that’s his/her natural look or not. All of these birds are lucky to have such a luxurious life.
Excellent photos, they reminds me of this old quote… 🙂
“A wise old owl sat on an oak – the more he saw the less he spoke – the less he spoke the more he heard – why aren’t we like that wise old bird..? 🙂 😉
Love this quote Drake ! I hadn’t heard it for so long, that I forgot it existed. Thanks for sharing it with me. 🙂
Actually, bird experts say they are one of the stupidest birds :D. These takes are brilliant!
Thanks for these wonderful photos. You know how much I like owls. 🙂
It is truly my pleasure to share these little joys with you. 🙂
I loved the photos, and I love the fact that there are people like Liz and organizations that care for injured critters, but it always saddens me to see injured wildlife, even if they are being cared for.
I know what you’re saying Jerry. Every time I see road kill I say a little prayer for the poor little creature. Man can be so destructive when they are hurrying along their way. We are fortunate that there are people around that volunteer their time and money to take care of these beautiful creatures.
I love owls. They are beautiful animals. They are always portrayed as wise and I really think they are for real too. They are also very beautiful birds. And very old birds too. Nice post!
Thank you so much Serenity. Indeed, these owls seemed to have such a gentle spirit. Just floating in the air feeling wild and free.
Reblogged this on Serenity's Musings.
🙂
I love barred owls – they have a beautiful call. Wonderful pictures!
Thank you so much ! The only evidence of a Barred owl I’ve seen is a blown up pile of feathers in the woods one time. I’ve never seen an owl in the wild.
What a wonderful creatures, Owls are one of my favourite animals. I love those photos – somewhat sad but joyful and yet very original which is hard to make especially that one can find a lot of birds’ and animals’ pictures generally. Keep on shooting, cheers!
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment Baryna. It is true, there are so many photos of wildlife out there, it is hard to compete. This was a unique experience, and it was wonderful to be able to be fairly close to these lovely birds. Thanks again and hope to see you back soon! Bella
Beautiful photos and post! I have really learned so much about nature following my husband’s hunting hobby. It really is all about conservation and treating our environment with respect so that it will prosper.
I love owls!! And the little one in the first picture is the cutest I’ve seen! 😀 So wonderful that there are people who take care of injured animals like these, real heroes!!
I loved the Saw-Whet Owl the best also. I just wanted to tuck him into my pocket and keep him warm. Watching Liz made me wish I could do what she does. Such a generous person she is. Thank you Calee!
Wow! Magnificent birds and photos! =^.^=
Meow Bailey – now you’re not allowed to chase them up the tree though. 🙂
Beautiful shots as always Emily… and what fantastic birds! I agree with Calee above – first shot is so cute. 😀
Thank you so very much Ian ! Love how you like my pics. Gives me the warm and fuzzies inside. Hope all is well with you. 🙂
Super job on this whole article
Thank you so much Janet ! Indians are next !!
Wow, what great photos…must have been so much fun for you!
You have no idea Sally ! I was sitting on the floor with the kids and having a ball ! The Indian Chief even asked me to join in on a dance, along with the kids. I was giddy with excitement! LOL !
Awesome post! I’ve always been fascinated by owls. I hear them at night but have never actually seen them. I’m going out tomorrow to see if I can spot any white poo on my trees!
That is awesome Soonie ! I would love to see that ! Have to admit that I plan on doing the same in the woods at the horse barn I go to during the week. I also had never seen owls before either, so this was a fabulous experience for me.
This is wonderful. Brilliant pictures, as always, and it is so good to know that people like Lisa Owen exist. I would love to see the owls. Do you think they will be at the Patuxent Wildlife and Art Show? I will add March 24 to my calendar.
The owls will be at Patuxent Art show on Friday evening reception and all day saturday of the event.
The owl’s injured eye (probably from an accident/ impact) reflects the light from the cataract like film that has formed. The owl can’t see out of that eye but a camera flash might make it look like an “evil eye”.
Great info Lisa as someone asked about the owls in the art show.
Great photos…it is nice to know that there are people out there who care for and look after the wildlife…they do a great job!
These people are one of those people that we all will need at one time or another in our lives. However, they lead quiet and demure lives taking care of those animals that can’t take care of themselves. True angels on the earth.
those owls are beautiful! thanks for sharing these photos with us 🙂
It is my pleasure Evelyn ! They really are special.
How wonderful, and it fills me with admiration that there are people out there who give their time to care and love these unfortunate animals and birds…..it is selfless and I only wish that more people could care about their natural environment, well done Liz Im full of admiration for you, and well done you for the images!
Your words are so very kind and generous ! I’ll make sure I find Liz and share your wonderful admiration of her. Thank you so very much, also for reposting this on your blog. 🙂
Reblogged this on 41 by Lucy Gutteridge and commented:
If only everyone was more like Liz Owen…….I just had to reblog this from Bella Remy Photography, wonderful work by Liz and Bella!
Thank you so much for sharing this with your readers. Truly Liz is someone worthy of special recognition.
The owls are beautiful! So wonderful that people care about and take care of these magnificent birds!
Isn’t it wonderful Phil? I was so happy to be able to finally see an owl.
The photos are absolutely amazing. Love the skill that you bring to each picture. The information on each owl was also quite useful. This was a great post, thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks Charlie ! These owls are quite special and are true ambassadors of their feathered friends. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Reblogged this on mailizaannur.
Thank you so much for sharing this with you readers Mailiza
Stunning photographs!
All beautiful. All precious. Great post.
Thank you so very much ! Stopped by your place and saw your cute bunnies ! I’ll get caught up with you shortly. 🙂
I love the pictures! Gorgeous eyes!
Thanks Judy !
Great post and wonderful photos!
They are so beautiful! She’s brave to handle them…I think I’d be too nervous with those strong beaks!
Beautiful crisp photos!
Owls are so beautiful! And yes, most of them are smaller than any of us would think (judging by the relationship to the size of Liz’ hand).
OMGosh, such cute owl pictures!
Stunning shots!!! What a great series!!
ah beautiful captures of the owls the Hunters in the Dark yet rarely does their prey escape
and thank you for the welcome back i was actually shutting down my blog very little interest in my photos and writing and the woman responsible for igniting the flames of passion behind the flow of words returned to her own life so my words dammed behind a wall i built to contain them
and now a new woman has entered the ruins of my Troy and stirred the embers to life no not love but a stirring of passion an interest in my work and a friendly and humorous outlook
so i will try again and i must catch up on your bloggings
Owls are unique and beautiful creatures – loving your captures – thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Renee. This was a unique event and I was so happy to see the owls.
Some awesome photos. I to love being around owls and most birds.
My sister is a carer and often calls me to come and visit when she has owls or other birds of prey. However, she lives on the wrong side of the country.
We recently made friends with a carer who lives in our town and I’ve promised him some meat when we cull rabbits and other feral animals. I hope that this leads to some hands on experiences and some good photo ops.
Our valley has a few tawny frogmouths that call it home, and whilst they aren’t actually owls, they are quite similar. They have great camo and while sleeping or hiding, pretend to be a branch stump. They will keep with this tactic even when you are right near them or actually touching them.
Those little owls are 100% adorable!
Wow. What beautiful shots of such gorgeous creatures.
amazing creatures – I love the saw whets – such beautiful little birds. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Amazingly shot….Love them
Thank you so much Luna.
Incredible shots!
Wow what great pictures of great animals! Owls are beautiful.
Thank you so much Franzisofie. Appreciate your kind comment and thanks for the visit.
Great photos, Emily; and always a treat to see owls up close. Thank you.
GB3 from flickr here .l was just out at Lake Artemesia and was doing some research and I just came across your wonderful photos.Great images each and everyone – George
Hi George ! It’s wonderful to see you here, and welcome !! One of these days I hope to make it to Lake Artemesia. Let me know how you find it. Emily