Male Short-eared Owl looking out over green fields – Nikon D810, f10, 1/320, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Two days ago I saw a Short-eared Owl flying over a field in the distance and I recognized the floppy moth-like flight pattern of this species immediately then I swear my heart skipped a beat when I saw the owl shoot up into the sky and perform an aerial mating display. I’ve never been able to get the photos I want of them displaying but I’d sure love the chance.
The thing is with this owl species is that they are nomadic and follow their prey so some years I might see only a few of them and other years I might see them practically everywhere I look where there is suitable habitat but right now it is just to early to know if I will see them in large numbers this year.
Stretching female Short-eared Owl in front of a green field – Nikon D810, f10, 1/640, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I love photographing the Short-eared Owls while there is still some spring growth around because the warm toned plumage of these owls stands out so nicely from the varying shades of green. The green of spring doesn’t last very long here in northern Utah’s valleys below the mountain ranges before the heat dries the grasses up and turns them to shades of browns and tans.
Both of these photos were taken three years ago when there were a good number of these owls to be found.
I’ve been having problems with my allergies and I’m a little tired of snuffling, sniffling, and sneezing all day long so I am keeping this post short this morning.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
thanks Mia, get well
So pretty!
The Male is sitting in such an aristocratic pose. Looking back over his shoulder. Beautiful against the greens.
I just love Owls. No idea why, but I do. So you gave me a happy day with your great shots. Hope you have many come your way this Spring!
Hi sweetie! Loved seeing your Owls and doing it with you at the time! Love theses photo’s! Have a great Spring!
Here’s hoping there will be many more SEOs and much less pollen in your future! And an autograph would be quite the nifty trick. 🙂
That’s a pretty unique pose with the tail fanned and the wing drooped! Their plumage is set off so nicely against the green background. When I lived in Dallas around 1980 we had a big invasion. Most winters there were none at all. By the way, last fall my hat was “autographed” by a screech-owl which struck me and almost carried the hat away. Dirty pin-pricks were left and I hated to wash them away.
Love the owl photos, Mia
Every now and then, I read something in a way so entirely different from what’s actually in front of my eyes, I can only laugh. How your title got transformed in my mind, I don’t know, but I read it as “I’m eager to get the autograph of a short-eared owl.” If you manage to pull that off, of course we’ll want to know about it! Now, I’m going to have a cup of coffee and see if I can wake my mind.
shoreacres… That made me laugh because I can see how that might transform in a sleepy mind! If I ever do get an autograph from a Short-eared Owl, or any owl, I will be certain to share it here!