We celebrated a late Christmas with my daughter and her family two evenings ago, but we had to be back to Duluth by last night such that I could participate in this year’s Isabella Christmas Bird Count. This is the 125th year of the count, which makes it the longest running citizen science research project in the world. As I type this blog post at 6:30 a.m. I am noting the temperature inland is -12F (not including chill factor). Needless to say I am wearing many layers of clothes and will have goggles should I find myself hiking in open spaces. If you want to learn more about the Christmas Bird Count, Science Friday has an excellent piece on their show yesterday (link to Science Friday podcast)
Just like I had a Christmas treat of Barn Owls while visiting one of my sons this Christmas while out in Seattle. While down in the Twin Cities a friend told me where to hike and see some Long Eared Owls. It was a brisk 1.5 mile walk, but very worthwhile.
Minneapolis Long-Eared Owls 
Owl #1
Owl #2
Time to leave for Isabella …
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Long-eared owls?! I grew up in NE Minnesota and never saw or heard more than two owls. You are indeed the “Owl Whisperer”. Thank you for opening my eyes, ears, willingness to brave the weather & bugs on walks in the woods, and for some conversational-ammo with my “forest-bathing” friends.
As the post noted I was out of town. I was down in the Twin Cities.
Richard,
I live in Mpls.and bird quite a bit here. Can you tell me where you saw the long ears? Thanks.
Sorry … it has become to dangerous to owls to post their locations online.