Great Horned Owl chick in nest – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited
I spent about three months in 2008 watching a Great Horned Owl nest on Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida from hatching until this young owl fledged. The nest was high in an old, dead pine where the best light on the nest was in the evenings. Because the nest was so high there were many evenings that I came home without the high quality images I dreamed of but each time I was there I relished being able to watch this young owl grow from a small fuzzy chick to watching it branch, stretch its wings and finally to fly away from the nest. It isn’t always about the images, some times it is about just being there.
I felt privileged to photograph this Great Horned Owl family.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Great Horned Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
I can relate to the magic of just being there when bird watching. Wonderful image!
I am so very grateful that you shared some of the magic with those of us who couldn’t be there. Thank you.
What a wonderful, wonderful image!!! Love the still fuzzy baby and that magnificent old weathered wood. Great shot!!! I agree with what you day about just being there. It’s the best….
Mia – I really agree with you on the idea of “just being there”. When I go out bird watching I just feel blessed to be out and about in the garden of Mother Nature. I relish this time and enjoy the random bird sightings as a bonus.