siena_story_spottedowls-9793
Moments after snatching a mouse from a biologist, a northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) has delivered the offering to one of its young. The use of live bait is one of the best methods scientists have for locating young, which they will then attempt to catch, band and conduct health checks. With so few northern spotted owls left, they try to track every individual they can find. This image was originally photographed in color and then converted to black and white to match the look and feel of the broader story.