Effortless

From Jhonathan Miranda

For years I had wanted to see this owl, but it was only yesterday that I finally managed to see it. It is Asio flammeus - Short-eared Owl. The species is quite rare in Venezuela, where most records date back more than 20 years. This gem hunts during the day, and it doesn't just swoop down to capture its prey; it performs a series of fascinating maneuvers that are truly beautiful to watch. It glides very close to the ground, quite slowly, and suddenly brakes in the air, turns around and dives towards the ground, stretching out one of its legs, touching the ground, jumping and diving again... sometimes it stays hidden on the ground or sometimes it continues flying.

But the show doesn't end with its hunt, it also flies with a “smug look on its face,” although it also seems to have a “look of extreme laziness.” It's very curious that it always flies with its eyelids half closed and even with its eyes closed. I suppose its eyes capture too much light and it has to regulate that opening somehow so as not to be completely dazzled. A super interesting owl.

We waited eight hours for it, but it was 100% worth the wait. I think it's the easiest bird in flight to photograph, as it glides very slowly and moves quite predictably. I think it's been my favorite bird so far this year, and possibly the most beautiful owl. And yes, my 1310th/1433rd species in Venezuela!

The downside, like many other owls, is that it is unfortunately sought after by practitioners of Santeria for their sacrifices and rituals. It is also poisoned by the use of pesticides and hunted due to human ignorance.