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Jim Ruzicka of Neenah had the specific goal of photographing wildlife when he made his way to the Killsnake State Wildlife Area in Calumet County.

“Short-eared owls regularly gather in a specific portion of the preserve in the wintertime,” he says. “Entering the outskirts of the wildlife area there are several parking places for hikers and hunters. I noticed (one) perched on top of the information sign, almost welcoming me to take its picture. I normally don’t like to take photos of wildlife with man-made objects in the scene, but this shot was very unique.

“This one shows off the owl’s nice coloration as well as its ‘ears,’ which give it its name. They are actually tufts of feathers and not actually ears.”