Great Horned Owl fledgling and an old granary

Great Horned Owl fledgling and an old granary – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/320, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 300mm, natural light, not baited

This morning winter is trying to creep back into northern Utah but I am thinking of warmer weather, Montana and Great Horned Owls. Great Horned Owls have already begun nesting in many areas of the country and in some locations they already have young in the nest.

I found a nest in the West Desert where an owl was already sitting on the nest but unfortunately the nest is too far from the road and the land the nest tree is on is private property. I’ll get to observe that nest but from a long distance.

The last time I checked on the Great Horned Owls at the hay barn on Antelope Island the female was inside the nest box which might mean she is on eggs. Unfortunately that nesting location is not very appealing for photography because of the metal roof, trusses, and side wall. Some elements of “the hand of man” work for my tastes but those don’t.

On the other hand I do enjoy images of my subjects, like this Great Horned Owl fledgling in Montana, that show wooden structures like this granary where the wood is worn and shows signs of being weathered by the elements. For me this old wood granary and the young owl work together perfectly.

Great Horned Owls do not typically build their own nests but take over nests from other birds like hawks, ospreys and even eagles and they will also nest in old or abandoned structures like barns, sheds, granaries, silos and man made nest boxes.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Great Horned Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.