Young Short-eared Owl perched on barbed wire – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
This morning I am sharing a photo of one of the few young Short-eared Owls I saw this past breeding season here in northern Utah. This young bird was being watched after by a male Short-eared Owl who was also perched nearby.
The old barbed wire fence was removed since this photo was taken and a newer, uglier one replaced it. The gnarly old juniper fence posts are gone too and were replaced with unattractive metal fence posts with garish yellow-green painted tops. Things change, sometimes those changes are not for the better.
I like how the titled head of the young Short-eared Owl conveys an implied interest in the woman taking its picture. I probably tilt my head slightly too when I am trying to figure stuff out.
Speaking of figuring things out, I really don’t have much to say this morning because I have been thinking about the assault on our public lands yesterday. It has felt overwhelming but I take some consolation in that fact that this malicious act will be tied up in court for years.
It is a good time to head out to find refuge with the birds and nature.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
LOVE the owl. Echoing other comments about the insanity. And ugliness. And greed. So often, if I could, I would divorce myself from our species.
Once again EC, we are on the same page. I’d jump species in a NY second! If the opportunity ever arises, POOF! I’m outta here!
I’m a fool for the upside-down head thing! I KNOW the real reason for it (to get a better, sharper, different look at things), but it still melts my silly mammalian human heart 🙂 What a glorious image!
OK, I HATE the barbed wire and there’s no redeeming qualities for it EXCEPT for the weathered wooden fence posts that have so much beauty and character. Like you, I was stunned and sickened by trump’s actions in Utah yesterday and weep for the greed of it all. I’m just clinging to the belief that wiser heads will prevail in the end, and if they don’t, that I’ll be gone from this spinning rock before too much more of our natural world is given over to the greed. Otherwise, I feel powerless to do anything about it. GO Utes and Navajo and all other tribes who will fight this!
Beautiful photo! I want to know more about raising young owls!
Love your series on short-ears!!!
Love picture of owl…hate thught of trump effect on our public parks, national monuments, endangered species…hate his very existence…and those mindless, greedy morons who support him and his dangerous, destructive policies…only hope is to think they may be tied up in court for years…and may be recided by someone with brais, compassion and integrity….none of which trump has.
I hope it is a plentiful owl season next year.
Words fail; the greed is unimaginable.
Progress isn’t always better.
I hate those new ugly metal posts. But then, I also hate this war on all things perceived as liberal and all the nature getting caught in the crossfire. I hope today is better. Your owl pictures, as always, are vibrant and full of personality. Thanks for sharing them.