cavan wood

Looks like double-crested to me. Scott

Yes, that was sorta the point...OP asked which owl? Humour fail. Scott

Just trying to add a little humour. Which Owl / Witch owl. Sorry if I offended. Scott

This is a which owl.

Ravens for me as well. Scott

Millipede, I think the point is to start with the expected. If you see something that makes you wonder, then pursue it, but don't declare zebra just because you see a horse with a funny tail. It better have stripes as well. So is there anything in this immature bird, like white right to the bottom of the eye, or lack of brownish tones in the grey? No, this bird has black all around the eye and subtle brown tones here and there. So, it's a horse not a zebra. Scott

I think you're right about the tail TBN. I was able to reveal a little more data by adjusting light levels. The head does look reddish, crested, long-billed, and there's a hint of white in the chin throat area. I would agree with merganser. Scott

Hmmm.....even with those pale primaries? Here's another view after they all shifted around.

Sure looks like one. Back already! Scott

Thought this was a first winter iceland based on size and bill, but someone listed a glaucous near here so I want to confirm. Taken yesterday i Peterborough, Ontario.

Thanks guys. I was quite certain once I viewed the photos, but there was some uncertainty in the field. Scott

Taken today in Peterborough, Ontario. One is clearly a common. Does everyone agree the other is a red-breasted? Scott

Looks good for greater. Scott

Thanks for the date. As said before, this is a spotted, partially or fully into basic (winter) plumage. Scott

The male gets that white patch from a white "hip", whereas the female's white comes from the secondaries. Other males have white hips (wigeon), and other females have white secondaries, (gadwall), so no you can't rely soley on the white spots in the rear view to id a female pintail, especially since those secondaries are not always visible. Instead, look for that smooth, warm, unmarked head with a grey bill. Scott