Bear River MBR American Barn Owl On A Winter Morning

American Barn Owl in flight over the Bear River – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikon 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

I spent about 15 minutes with this American Barn Owl yesterday after I spotted it along the north side of the auto tour loop at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. It spent most of its time in flight looking for prey either along the dirt road on the south side of the road or on the north side close to the river.

Cold morning and an American Barn Owl in flight – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikon 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

The lowest temp I saw was yesterday was 11°F and there was snow on the ground which is probably why the American Barn Owl kept hunting after the sun came up. I feel blessed that I am able to see and photograph them in the winter but I do worry about them surviving until spring.

American Barn Owl hiding in the marsh – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikon 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

At one point I saw the American Barn Owl dive down into the weeds and I was able to relocate it on the ground even though it was nearly hidden. I’m so glad I still have great eyes for finding birds. After a bit it lifted of from its hidden location and started hunting again.

American Barn Owl hunting near the Bear River – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikon 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

It felt wonderful to spend time with this Bear River MBR American Barn Owl yesterday while the sun was shining on the refuge. It won’t be long before the owls begin their breeding season and I hope they are successful.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my American Barn Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.

Some of these images were taken from inside a vehicle, some were taken outside using the vehicle to steady my lens, some were handheld.