Apologies for the very poor quality of this image, digitized from an old slide, taken 41 years ago. It is probably the only photo i'm ever likely to get of this species. The location where this owl was found was the only reliable place in the region to see short-eared owls (there were 2 or 3 individuals present). It was a vast area of old fields bisected by hedgerows, with an unpaved road through it that was rarely travelled. Today it is covered with wide paved roads and endless houses. No room for birds or any other creatures. Reports of short-eared owls very occasionally come in but not from this once-traditional location. Short-eared owls are considered a Species of Special Concern in Ontario and in many other parts of Canada.