PA’s Most Wanted

Pennsylvania has 390 identified species of birds. The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology has created a top-ten list of the rarest birds
based on surveys of the online birding community in Pennsylvania. Sounds like a challenge to me!

The “PA’s Most Wanted” bird is the Boreal Owl, also using the alias Tengmalm’s Owl in other parts of the World. Identifying one takes a pro as the coloration varies widely between individuals. Some have reddish-brown hues, while others are more grayish. It has a white face, surrounded by a dark rim with small white spots. Another identifying feature is the small dark marking between the eyes and the base of the bill. It has a yellowish horn bill and eyes range from pale to bright yellow. Its length is 7.9-11.8″

Considered endangered in some areas, the Boreal Owl is, needless to say, difficult to spot. And since it’s nocturnal, it makes the challenge all the more exciting. Have you seen this PA’s Most Wanted? If so, contact us with details!