The bracket is made!

I think this year’s lineup is an improvement over last year. Based on what I’ve seen, all the opening matches look very competitive. My goal was to fix some of the lop-sided wins we had, and I’m feeling good about how this schedule looks.

There’s going to be some tough choices for you guys. Much like last year, I’m glad I don’t need to decide, but I’m still going to have to accept some painful loses at some point. I try to keep impartial during the tournament, but I definitely have some personal favorites. Sooty vs GHO is one where I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye to either one.

You guys didn’t nominate my beloved Spotted Wood Owl. Buff Fronted got in, which I was happy for, but its first opponent is last year’s winner.

I’m excited to see the Battle of the Southern Hemisphere between Australia’s Barking Owl and NZ’s Morepork.

We’ve got Eurasia’s biggest owls going head-to-head.

Snowy, Burrowing, and Buffy are all up against some flashy newcomers where we could have a surprise victory like the unexpected triumphs the Flammulated Owl had last year,

I think I will start the games Wed, 4 DEC after I get back from some travel. Then we’ve got a little over 2 weeks of excitement to crown this year’s winner. I’ll put the final 4 owls in the banner again and the winner gets the icon.

Got a personal favorite you’re ready to cheer on to victory?

Let me know which matches you are most looking forward to or dreading the most!

  • charade_you_areEnglish
    2·
    8 hours ago

    I’m going with the great horned owl since I hear one screeching every night in my backyard. Still haven’t seen it though.

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
      1·
      6 hours ago

      The “sky tiger” is tough to beat. A little smaller than a Snowy, so not the biggest North American owl, but it’s one heck of a tough and beautiful bird. With the classic hoot, it’s the first owl that comes to mind for many people.

      My neighborhood also belongs to a GHO, so I’m a bit partial to them myself. I always smile when I hear it secretly watching over us.

      • charade_you_areEnglish
        1·
        21 minutes ago

        I’d really like to know what David Lynch’s problem with owls is. So much hate towards them in the first season of Twin Peaks. : ) I just moved to a wooded area this year where it’s possible to see an owl for my first time. It’s pretty deep in the woodsbased off the shriek volume but I’ll take some time to try to find where he hangs out.
        Side note…I’m just assuming it’s a GHO based on the shrieks I’ve listened to online. It could also be something getting murdered.