Small owl sighting

Observation by Paul Paul:

This small owl was sighted perching under a building. Never seen a dark feathered owl this time of the year before.

Comment by LEO Network editors:

Just taking a guess here that this is a boreal own Aegolius funereus, a ways outside normal range. According to the ADFG description attached, boreal owls are about 10” long. "The Boreal Owl has a chocolate brown back with large white spots and white underparts streaked with brown. Its off-white facial disk with a distinct black border, short tail, yellow bill, and white forehead spotting are distinctive field markings." You can also hear the call of the boreal owl on the ADFG site.

Thank you Paul for this really interesting observation and photo. LEO Network welcome members to help with identifications, as well as with observations. We will copy some of our friends at ADFG on this post to see if they can help confirm on species and add any insights on owl sightings this time of year. Otherwise, members feel free to respond with a comment. Mike Brubaker