Owl

Short-eared owl

Asio flammeus

A winter visitor to the open grasslands and farm fields of the Skagit and Samish flats, hunting low over the fields at dusk.

This species is sensitive to disturbance. WildLookout doesn't map nests, roosts or colonies.

Seasonality

Peaks in January, February, December. Mostly a winter visitor, from late October through March.

Arrive two hours before sunset and stay until the light is gone.
Light fades quickly; be ready to raise ISO and accept some noise.
Photograph from a fixed position along the field edge and let the owls come to you.

Stay on dikes and established trails; don't walk into fields to approach owls.
Never flush roosting owls for a photograph.
Because this species is sensitive to disturbance, WildLookout doesn't show precise roost locations.