Boreal owl, Saskatchewan, Canada

© Nick Saunders/Minden Picture

Owl eyes on you. Christmas Bird Count

In the world of birdwatching, the Christmas Bird Count, first held back in 1900, is a highlight of the year. The original bird count involved just 27 people spread over 25 locations in the US and Canada. Since then, the annual bird census has grown exponentially, with participants in more than 2,360 locations across various countries.

In North America's coniferous forests lives a tiny bird of prey—the boreal owl. The small brown and white-flecked raptor is shy and keeps well hidden from our view. Despite its compact size, it is a formidable hunter, feeding on small mammals, voles, and birds. With dark plumage and expressive eyes, it strikes a captivating figure in the moonlit canopy, intriguing bird enthusiasts and researchers. Any birder would be fortunate to spot one during their Christmas Bird Count.