Wow, yesterday’s games were the most intense ever in OotY history! Both matches were neck and neck all day. I had no idea what to prepare for, so this is going to be a little short.
Congrats to this year’s final 4 owls: White Faced, Buffy, Screech, and Snowy.
I’m going to do the first semi-final today and the other tomorrow.
You know the competition well at this point. White Face is former OotY from 2023. Buffy has been a strong opponent in all 3 seasons, and has now made it to the last stop before the final match. Both have very fun and loveable looks, so it may still be a hard choice, but it’s what we’re here for.
So take your time, think it over, and upvote your first finalist now!
I would love to see a buffy screech final. I can’t name a clear favourite, they are all deserving and we’ve had so many surprises already. My frustration has been being on the losing side of almost every vote, but that’s just how things go sometimes. I’m hoping Barn owl has a strong showing next year too.
The first year, I put Barn Owl as the top seed, since it’s the one owl that is near everywhere around the world, we’re all familiar with it, and I don’t think anyone dislikes it, but I don’t know if the Tytos are as popular. One like Ashy Faced I felt was exceptionally beautiful, or there are always the Sooty Owls that I think will get people on board with them, but it’s taking time.
I love Barn Owls! I was so sad to see them out in the first round. ☹️
Same! They’ve been my favorite owl this year.
This is another tough things I’ve been learning about myself during OotY this year. I’ve been a little looser with my commentary during the games, but besides appearing biased, I don’t want to sound like I’m lecturing people and seem annoying.
It’s not as much a “you should have voted for this” but more of asking myself out loud “what can I do to get them more excited about x?” It’s not like Barn Owl awareness is a problem. I’ve highlighted the reeeeeally white ones, a bunch of more unusual colored ones, extra spotty ones, how to tell males from females (which isn’t very common for owls to be able to do).
As pretty much a 1 person show most of the time, I don’t really have opportunities for behind the scenes chats about this stuff, but it’s on my mind whine doing OotY and seeing how you all as a collective react to things in a comparative way.
Barnies have a bit of a unique look, but it’s the result of being highly specialized for hearing, and that’s why so many studies have been done with them. A ton of our understanding about owls has come from studying Barn Owls, so how do I get you guys pumped over that instead of being “cool, but can you show me another Scops now?”