Tube of Anger

A Long-eared Owl is horizontal, facing camera, and wrapped in black tube of corduroy fabric upon a digital scale. The owl's eyes are lemorange, wide and shocked like he's been caught in headlights, but we are assured by RPBO that "Long-eareds always have this startled look - that is how they are!" The scale underneath has a square glass platform atop a silver arch-shaped base. Behind, the handler wears a beige vest over an earthy green sweater decorated with bird illustrations.

29th of Owltober!
Original post – 17 Oct 2026

located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦
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Original text:

The first owl at the Rocky Point station was a total surprise – a Long-eared Owl! In the past several years we have been lucky to catch one during the season, but it is not a given. This owl species is particularly cryptic & not a lot is known about them here in North America. In order to safely band and weigh larger owls, we put them in a wrap which keeps them calm.

*Record scratch* "Yep that's me. You're probably wondering how I got into this situation." The owl is horizontal with an indignant face. His sand-coloured toes are pointed to the ceiling, with talons in grab n' stab mode. His quote-unquote "ears" are a bit puffy, dark brown edged with ginger, and curl back to match the curve of his head.

RPBO added in a comment:

Long-eareds always have this startled look – that is how they are! The owl was processed quickly and released back into the night to continue her wanderings.

The owl is held aloft by the handler at an angle of roughly 17 degrees. The owl's expression, to quote a comment on the RPBO socials, says "Unhand me, peasant mammal. I am the night!" The vest worn by the handler has an abundance of utility pockets and enamel pins featuring various owls.
The Long-eared owl has his portrait taken outside, still looking very surprised, as if snapped for a prison mugshot unannounced. His facial disk is composed of wheaty-ginger feathers on the flanks, a white X shape of rictal bristles between the eyes, and a mix of white snowy flecks on dark brown around the brow, crown and sides. Now free of his 'tube of anger', his full chest plumage is visible with wide brushstrokes of cream, tan and chocolate. He's well lit against a background of dark foliage on one side, and blackest night on the other, and looks about to be released.

Link to donate to Rocky Point Bird Observatory for those willing and able.

xo owlsintowels

💛🦉

SpeciesCommon NameMore info
Asio otusLong-eared OwlWiki link

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