Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Boreal Owl
Scientific name:	Aegolius funereus
Date:	August 1, 2024
Time:	Approximately 11:10 PM
Length of time observed:	Visuals lasted about thirty seconds for one adult and one juvenile, but I heard juvenile begging for nearly fifteen minutes and several adult chirps from two separate adults
Number:	5
Age:	Two adults and three juveniles
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	FR 107
County:	Summit
Latilong:
Elevation:	Approximately 9600’
Distance to bird:	10’ from the adult and about 30’ from the juvenile
Optical equipment:	Naked eye and mirrorless camera with zoom up to 600mm
Weather:	Clear, stary skies, no moon nor wind, between 58F and 60F
Light Conditions:	Nocturnal, so flashlight was used
Description: Size of bird:	9-10” tall
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Owl
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	See detailed description below
(Description:) Bill Type:	Hooked
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Adult had a large head with a tapered torso. Yellow eyes were relatively small in the large, mostly white facial disc. The dark rim of the facial disc was broken in several spots above the eyes and at the base by white spotting. The underside was streaked brown/rufous. The top side showed typical pearl like white spots in the wings and back. The bill was pale. The juvenile was brown overall with a sooty color on the front from the chest down toward the vent. The dark facial disc was starting to show white feathers like an adult as well as some white spotting in the dark rim of the facial disc. The bill was pale.
Song or call & method of delivery:	Typical begging call heard from three distinct juveniles, calling simultaneously from separate locations. Juvenile audio is attached to this record. The adults were seen about a half mile apart, but both “chirped” in response to playback. The calls were similar to that of red squirrel chrips. (Audio)
Behavior:	Begging and short flights by juveniles. The adults that was seen flew in briefly and left about thirty seconds later.
Habitat:	Mixed forest (pine, spruce, fir)
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Northern Saw-whets have black bills and the juveniles have two-toned undersides consisting of a dark brown upper chest and tawny bellies. The facial discs have a bold white “V” shape of feathers between the bill and eyes. Juvenile Boreal Owls have thinner white eyebrows. The Northern Saw-whet juvenile begging call is more similar to an insect “tsit” or hiss sound rather than the harsh metallic-like screech of a Boreal
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I’ve encountered several groups of juveniles so far this season. I’ve observed over sixty adults in the past four years in three states.
References consulted:	Prior to observing these, I had studied Sibley and multiple Cornell resources, especially birdsoftheworld.org
Description from:	Memory and notes
Observer:	Jeff Cooper
Observer's address:
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	8/7/2024
Additional material:	Audio
Additional comments:	Checklist from eBird: