Short-eared Owls are the only owl species in this part of the country that nests on the ground—often in sedge meadows where, like the Bittern and Northern Leopard Frog, they can easily hide. They’re not really short-eared but have shorter tufts of feathers, resembling ears, on their heads than most other “eared” owls. About one foot in length, the Short-eared Owl has plumage mottled tawny to brown, a barred tail and wings and a streaked upper breast. While the Short-eared Owl pictured here is sitting in a tree, they use such perches mainly to rest before flying out low over marshes, sedge meadows, and prairies to find food. Also unusual for owls, they start hunting at dusk and continue all night and through the dawn. However, their meals are typically owl-like, consisting mostly of rodents such as mice and voles. Avid birders have seen the Short-eared Owl, an Indiana endangered species, at Eagle Marsh. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot one also at one of our night hikes or early one morning!