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Steve Tagupa | all galleries >> Galleries >> Wildlife > 20130610-133801-K52S0055.JPG
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10-JUN-2013

20130610-133801-K52S0055.JPG

Pueo on the Hunt
Short Eared Owl (Hawaiian subspecies), Asio flammeus sandwichensis
Olinda Road, Maui, Hawai'i
June 10, 2013
1-800 sec at f - 5.0, ISO 640
PENTAX K-5 II s
Sigma 300mm f/2.8 with 1.7X AFTC

From pueoproject.com: The Pueo, or Hawaiian Short-eared Owl, is an endemic subspecies of the nearly pandemic Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus; Family: Strigidae). The species is thought to have colonized the Hawaiian Islands sometime after the arrival of Polynesians.

Unlike most owls, Pueo are active during the day (i.e., diurnal), and are commonly seen hovering or soaring over open areas. Pueo tends to be more active during crepuscular periods, likely associated with prey availability. Like short-eared owls in continental environments, those in Hawai‘i primarily consume small mammals. Their relatively recent establishment on Hawai‘i may have been tied to the rats (Rattus exulans) that Polynesians brought to the islands.

Little is known about the breeding biology of Pueo, but nests have been found throughout the year. Males perform aerial displays known as a sky dancing display to prospective females. Nests are constructed by females and are comprised of simple scrapes in the ground lined with grasses and feather down. Females also perform all incubating and brooding. Males feed females and defend nests. Chicks hatch asynchronously and are fed by female with food delivered by male. Young may fledge from nest on foot before they are able to fly and depend on their parents for approximately two months.

For more information: https://www.pueoproject.com/get-to-know-the-pueo

Pentax K-5 IIs ,Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX APO 
1/800s f/5.0 at 300.0mm iso640 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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