While in Florida I had the opportunity to photograph some Burrowing Owls. I came across this one and found it very odd that it had no yellow in it's eyes. I thought maybe it was because it had fully dilated it's pupils but as you will see in the second image, the pupils are clearly visible. There is also a lack of color in the bill. I have also included an image of a normal eye.
Not sure how abnormal this is but I thought some may be interested.
I was also hoping someone had some insight into what would cause this.
Very interesting. I have not been able to find much on the subject.
Matt
Posted by Steve Canuel on March 30, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Never seen one with black eyes myself (seen owls in CA, NM, and CO) and the only photos I've seen with other than yellow eyes have been from FL. Another popular website known mostly for bird photography has lots of pics from FL with varying degrees of black marbling in the eyes.
Matt, the very first photo in my gallery is of a burrowing owl that has yellow irises, but they are very dark. I went back and looked at the originals and they also have that white marbling in them. Mine was from Ft. Meyers. Maybe you're onto something here???
Discussion
6 repliesNot sure how abnormal this is but I thought some may be interested.
I was also hoping someone had some insight into what would cause this.
http://www.treklens.com/gallery/North_America/United_States/photo179958.htm
Great find and really nice images!
Sandy
Very interesting. I have not been able to find much on the subject.
Matt