The Sulphur Creek Nature Center in Hayward, California, is a wildlife education and rehabilitation facility.  Injured animals and birds that are no longer able to live in the wild can find a home there where they support the educational and recreational programs offered by the Center.   Vultures, falcons, hawks and owls are among the rescued birds that are now residents.  On a recent photo workshop conducted by Oliver Klink and Kate Jordahl I had a chance to capture some owl close-up portraits.

These owl portraits give a good view of the distinctive facial discs.  These feathered concave areas surrounding the eyes collect sound waves and direct them toward the owl’s ears, making it possible for the birds to locate prey by sound.  The feathers can be adjusted to focus on sounds at different distances, which, along with the ability to turn their heads 180°, contribute to their effectiveness as night hunters.

Western Screech Owl (Otus kennicottii)Western Screech Owl swiveles his head 180° to look behind him, Sulphur Creek Nature Center

Western Screech Owl (Otus kennicottii)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)Barn owl (Tyto alba) portrait showing structure of facial disk, Sulphur Creek Nature Center

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus)Portrait of Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), Sulphur Creek Nature Center

Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

Click here for more images from the Sulphur Creek Nature Center