From Oliver Cadman

Long-Eared Owl with Vole. May 2026.

UK.

Sony A1+600GM F4 1/2000 sec. ISO 1250 EV+0.3

  • anon6789OP
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    17 days ago

    The true ears are right behind the eyes on the side of the head. Many owls have offset ears to give them a 3D mental map of sound. It’s not quite the echolocation of a bat, as the owl isn’t sending out any sound, it’s more like the superhero Daredevil or one of those blind samurai, though for the owls, it’s actually real!

    The Long Eared Owl gets its name from what many people think are the ears, the plumicorns. Plumicorns true functions are still not completely determined, but they can be used for nonverbal communication. They are small clusters of about 3 feathers, and since owls have voluntary control over their feathers, they can put them up, down, sideways at will. So this one just has them tucked since it’s flying.