Rousing adult male Short-eared Owl with an eye on me – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This morning I was looking at some of the photos I took in the spring of 2017 for a specific Swainson’s Hawk photo when I came across some images of a male Short-eared Owl I had taken up in northern Utah. I wondered why I hadn’t processed or shared these images so I decided I’d better do that now or I’d forget them again.
It was early enough in the spring that the sagebrush hadn’t started to green up but the grasses had and that is part of the reason why I like the background in these two photos as much as I do. That little bit of green sure “pops”.
This adult male Short-eared Owl was perched on a weathered fence post not far from the road when I photographed it rousing and I loved the way it seemed to be looking right as me as it shook its feathers.
Adult male Short-eared Owl on a weathered fence post in northern Utah – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Short-eared Owl’s rousing session was so brief I only took a few images of it before the owl and its feathers settled back down.
I am very fond of photographing owls and it doesn’t matter to me what species they are, their eyes simply draw me in. Maybe 2019 will be a great year for photographing Short-eared Owls or maybe it won’t be but I know I will be busy looking for them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
Truly a rousing!
Your shots of the Short-eared Owl and the accompanying narrative are equally terrific. Thanks Mia.
Oh those eyes!
You have given me an owlfest this morning. For which I am very, very grateful.
He’s adorable. So glad you came across these shots! Thanks also for including the Sibley info.
Great shot….never have I seen a Short-eared Owl…someday…..
How exciting to be with this bird!
Mia, I’ve searched Cornell for field marks to identify male vs/ female SEO, but couldn’t find any.
Can you tell how you came to your male designation?
Thanks for all the info! I didn’t know they nest on the ground.
Really beautiful pictures!
Sue, they say a picture is worth a thousands words, this one sure is. I highly recommend The Sibley Guide to Birds for information such as you asked for and for bird ID.
Beautiful!
What I would give to photograph one of these birds! Down here in southern Arizona we have numerous owl species but no Short-eared Owls. Lovely images.
Great photos, mia