Male Short-eared Owl basking in sunlight – Nikon D810, f8, 1/800, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
This year I’ve seen far more Short-eared Owls in Utah than I have since I moved here in 2009 and I’ve been enjoying photographing these nomadic and enchanting owls for over a month. Short-eared Owls will can be seen where there is ample prey to be found and if the small mammal population crashes they will move on which is why they are considered nomadic. These owls might not be in the same locations next year so I am taking every opportunity to photograph them that I can.
Watchful Short-eared Owl male – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I woke about 3 am this morning and will soon drive 90 miles to the north hoping to see and photograph more Short-eared Owls. Yesterday from a distance I saw a male short-eared courtship sky dancing display so maybe they haven’t all started nesting. I would love to get images of the owls sky dancing that weren’t from a mile away!
Perched female Short-eared Owl in Box Elder County – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Yesterday along with photographing male Short-eared Owls in the photos above I was able to photograph this female perched on a rusty metal post. She didn’t stay all that long but I enjoyed every second that I had with her.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
What wonderful images, and such a beautiful day Saturday was—my first day back helping falconer Steve Chringren with another fun season of the Hogle Zoo bird-shows.
Hi! Beautiful photo’s of one of my favorite birds! Thanks for sharing! love mom! Have a great day!
Beautiful birds, Wishing a happy and successful nesting year.
Owls – all of them – have a huge place in my overflowing heart.
Although my personal owl experiences have been with a Great Horned Owl and a Screech Owl, I consider the Short-ear to be the epitome of owlness. Their shape, coloration, color patterns, facial features, etc. all represent the ultimate in “being owl “to me. I’m so glad to hear there are so many of them to be seen this year…a nice change from the usual statistics of decline!
Lovely images. The last one has a feminine feeling with the pretty pastel background.
Nice, nice, nice… love owls… ;-)))
Beautiful photos Mia. Always love your owl features.
Wonderful photos. I love the eye contact.