A rare Long-eared Owl made a surprising appearance at Railroad Park in Birmingham just before Christmas, delighting local birders and creating a memorable moment for the community. The species has not been documented in Alabama for nearly a decade, making the sighting especially significant.
A Holiday Discovery
Birding enthusiasts Bob and Sandy Sipe were walking through the park with their family when the owl appeared. Using the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell University, they had been identifying more common species, like Northern Cardinals, when a dark shape in a nearby tree caught their attention. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be an owl.
Though they didn’t have their cameras ready, the Sipes managed to capture a clear photo with a smartphone. Later attempts to photograph the owl were unsuccessful, as it stayed hidden in the trees.
A Rare Find
The Long-eared Owl is considered mysterious in Alabama. It breeds far north and typically winters as far south as central Tennessee. Sightings in Alabama are extremely rare, with fewer than 20 reports historically and about one detection per decade. Many birders suspect the species visits the state annually but often goes undetected due to its elusive behavior.
A Growing Birding Community
The sighting comes as birding gains popularity in Birmingham and across Alabama. Alabama Audubon hosts events such as the Bird of the Year in February and the John L. Boron Alabama Coastal Birdfest each spring, helping bring enthusiasts together to celebrate local wildlife.
A Holiday Gift
For the Sipe family and local birders, the owl’s appearance felt like a special holiday gift. Though the Long-eared Owl has since moved on, its visit created a memorable experience and a reminder of Alabama’s unique wildlife.
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