Fledgling Short-eared Owl parallaxing – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I have spotted a few Short-eared Owls in the field recently and although I haven’t been able to take photos of those owls because they were too far away seeing them reminded me of how much fun I have had photographing this owls species over the years. Just a few days ago I found a Short-eared Owl in flight on the way to the auto tour route at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and I could feel my pulse quicken.
Many owls are nocturnal in nature but Short-eared Owls are diurnal and crepuscular which basically means that I get to see them hunting over fields during the day. When the daytime temps get warmer they seem to take a break from hunting during the heat of the day but it hasn’t been that hot here yet so it is possible to see them hunting all day long.
As great as it is to photograph adult Short-eared Owls I have had even more fun photograph young Short-eared Owls when they are learning to fly, learning to hunt on their own and learning to see their world through their large, bright yellow eyes.
The young Short-eared Owl in this photo was parallaxing when I photographed it in which basically means the fledgling owl was moving its head to gain different viewpoints. I’ve observed that young owls seem to use motion parallaxing more than adults do. I photographed this fledgling in June of 2016 in northern Utah and at times it twisted its head so far while parallaxing that it made me laugh.
Because Short-eared Owls are nomadic and follow their prey I can never depend on whether I will see them in large numbers from one year to the next in certain locations. I am watching for them when I do get out into the field though and I hope that I’ll be able to photograph the next one I find. They sure bring me joy and I know I need that right now. I think many of us do.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
At 7:41 am MT we had another 4.2 earthshaker. The fun continues.
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
Love the photo of this delightfully cute owl. Look forward to more photos in the future. Thanks.
Lovrre it
“Parallaxing” that is a new word for me. I tilted my head to see how far it turned its head, my goodness, it is upside down! and got a kink in my neck. Now that bird has flexibility! Stay safe and may the ground be still.
This would be a great photo if some wise guy hadn’t tried to unscrew the poor bird’s neck and then put it back on wrong…🤪
Glad to learn you’ve seen some Shorties this season. Hope you get the chance to spend lots of time with them soon. Love this one — knew their necks were flexible, but not THAT flexible! 🤣
I adore owls. Thank you for this mornings heartbalm.
I do hope they are returning this year.
Reminds of the cartoon “What’s up doc?”! Love the photo and silly and awkward and cute position of the head. Thanks for the awesome pictures you share!
One winter in Dallas, Texas we had a several show up around a small lake where we frequently hiked. When I saw the first one flying over the prairie I thought it might be a Northern Harrier (probably a”Marsh Hawk” in those days) and was surprised when it landed on a fence post and gave me that big owl stare.
Parralaxing, can’t wait for the opportunity to use that word. Love the photo
This photo of the fledgling Short-eared Owl needs a caption. Cute!
Owls, wonderful subjects.