Adult Burrowing Owl with bloody bill – Nikon D810, f11, 1/400, ISO 250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I feel so happy at times when I am out photographing birds that I can barely contain my joy. The joy I feel often increases when I am photographing the Burrowing Owls of northern Utah because they are such fascinating birds to observe and they are handsome too. The adults always seem more serious to me but the young Burrowing Owls can be goofy, funny and act like small, feathered clowns.
Adult Burrowing Owl near a road – Nikon D810, f11, 1/250, ISO 200, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Most of the Burrowing Owls here have left for warmer climates but a few will stay around and maybe one day I will get a photograph of one of these desert owls in the snow. Those are photos I have long wished to to create.
Last week I saw one juvenile Burrowing Owl in northern Utah but the last time I was up that way I didn’t see it again. Maybe it left or maybe it was just inside the burrow.
Adult Burrowing Owl looking at the ground – Nikon D810, f13, 1/400, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
This adult male Burrowing Owl was a cooperative bird when I photographed it in May of this year, it was close enough to get frame filling images of it in nice morning light. The owl must have already had its morning meal that day because its bill was very bloody.
It might be a long drive in the wee hours of the morning to get to where these Burrowing Owls are in northern Utah during the breeding season but they are worth it and I know I am so very lucky to have these owls to photograph!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Burrowing Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
These small owls are always fun to see. Thanks for the information too.
Owls. Burrowing owls…
Bliss.
I seldom, almost never get headaches, but used to. Funny thing, I NEVER had one when in a wilderness area. I love any image of a Burrowing Owl! They have to be one of the cutest, funniest creatures on the planet…at least on the one I live on!!!….
I have told my family many time exactly what you have said about the joy you feel when out photographing birds! I can have a headache and as soon as I am out there it goes away.
Now if only my photos were as beautiful as yours! And I’m working on it.
Beautiful photos, Mia. Your Owls are always a big hit.
Sorry, peek out.
I went on Friday morning early last week and saw one head peak out. I love them so much, too. Now that the cattle are ranging on the land that I usually see them on, I wondered if that makes a difference. Thanks for posting. Lovely, vibrant pics like always.