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Long-whiskered Owlet
A Long-whiskered Owlet (Xenoglaux loweryi) has been seen in the wild for the first time by researchers in Northern Peru. Until now the tiny owl (a very rare species that wasn’t discovered until 1976) was only known from a few specimens captured in nocturnal neting. The sighting had not been accomplished in thirty years despite the efforts of hundreds of birders, and perhaps provides continued hope for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker searchers.
One of the world's smallest owls, it inhabits the dense undergrowth of mountain forests in a remote section of northern Peru. The owlet is so distinctive that it was placed in its own genus-- Xenoglaux--meaning “strange owl.”
Three daytime observations by researchers Geale and Juvenal Ccahuana in February, and new audio recordings taken at night, comprise the still very limited information on the natural history of the bird.
More information and photographs of the owlet are available on the American Bird Conservancy web site.
11th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic
April 15--April 22, 2007
The Great Texas Birding Classic is a competitive birdwatching tournament sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. Held each April, the event coincidea with the spectacular spring migration in Texas.
The goal of the Classic is to increase appreciation, understanding and conservation of birds along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail through education, recreation, nature tourism and conservation fundraising.
Teams can compete during the entire week for the grand prize or in one of three single-day events. The top three teams pick three conservation programs to receive a share of the $50,000 conservation prize.
Visit the Gulf Coast Observatory web site for additional details.
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