I’ve been busy the past few days and haven’t been able to get out into the field but that hasn’t stopped me from thinking of spring, green fields, warm sunlight on my skin, and Short-eared Owls.
Male Short-eared Owl and spring greenery – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
It has been a few years now since I felt like my Short-eared Owl obsession has been appeased.
Short-eared Owls are nomadic and they follow their prey which means from year to year their populations vary, some locations that might have had large populations a few years ago have been coming up dry for me with very few sightings of these owls. This spring I may have to check out new locations if I don’t find any where I have found them before.
Short-eared Owl male looking over a green field – Nikon D810, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Photographing Short-eared Owls is very satisfying. In May of 2016 I had driven way up north in search of owls and came across this handsome male. I watched as he had two unsuccessful hunts and then perched on an old wooden post. It was quiet, peaceful and relaxing to sit alone with this owl while taking photo after photo of him. I wasn’t in any rush and the owl didn’t seem to be either.
I knew from his bloody talons he had already captured some prey that morning, it may have been for him to eat or perhaps it was to feed his young. I’ll never know.
Male Short-eared Owl on a spring morning – Nikon D810, f9, 1/640, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
His bright yellow eyes scanned the green fields and the blue sky overhead. After a bit I turned my Jeep south and said goodbye and thank you to the owl.
Seeing photos of this male Short-eared Owl reminds me that I need to start looking for these owls perched, hunting, and on the wing.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and and information about this species.
Wonderful series of Owl pics; one of my absolute favorite birds. The eyes, colors and detail you captured are terrific and the background highlights the Owl perfectly. Thanks Mia.
Great photos of beautiful birds!
Lovely! I do miss them. I hope they return.
Lovely Shortie shots — looking forward to seeing who shows up in your viewfinder this season!
Owls and rainbows make any day better. Immediately.
Thank you.
Owls, a lifelong favorite.
Great photos, Mia.