Article updated: 2/15/2013 8:40 AM

Short-eared owls thriving at Pyramid

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A short-eared owl perches on a branch during an afternoon hunt at Pyramid State Park outside Pinckneyville,

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Pyramid State Park, south and west of Pinckneyville, is home to a flock of about 40 short-eared owls. Although an Illinois Endangered Species, the short-eared owl is thriving in the grasslands of the reclaimed strip mines at Pyramid. The owls nest in Canada and Alaska, but call Pyramid home from November to about mid-February. The birds are most visible when they are feeding in the early mornings and late afternoons. The owls soar a few feet above the ground, scouring the countryside for mice and voles.