Rebecca Stephenson

While fairly common throughout their range, Long-eared Owls are seldom seen or heard. Unlike the Great Horned Owls and Barn Owls which perch out in the open and make themselves known with loud, frequent vocalizations, Long-eared Owls prefer to stay quietly out of sight. They are most often seen in winter when they sometimes roost […]

Petite and adorable Northern Saw-whet Owls are common but seldom seen due to their elusive, nocturnal habits and preference for living in dense forests. Spend some time in the woods during the summer, and you’ll likely hear one, though! My experiences with Northern Saw-whet Owls relate to my times spent in the spring forests of

Most people encounter their first Barn Owl as a ghostly glimpse in the headlights on a lonely dark road. Or, perhaps, looking up into the night sky after hearing a piercing scream overhead. I have seen many Barn Owls in my life, but the experience is always memorable. There is just something otherworldly about these

The Great Horned Owl is in the running for the most well-known owl out there. Great Horned Owls have been the subject of fascination for centuries with their iconic cat-eared silhouettes, huge staring eyes, and resonant hoots. Their caricatures can be found on anything related to the night, and superstition still surrounds them. While they

Few who have heard the loud, baritone hooting of the male Barred Owl issuing deep from the woods on a still night or been startled by the rowdy caterwauling of a pair in the middle of the dark forest are likely to forget the Barred Owl. I certainly remember hearing the whole forest come alive

Few birds match the pluck and charm of the tiny but mighty Anna’s Hummingbird. While many bird species are currently in decline, the Anna’s Hummingbird has adapted to life in urban areas across western North America and expands its range each year. In fact, if you live in the urban west, you’ve probably got one