Curious fledgling Short-eared Owl – Nikon D500, F7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Years ago I saw my first Short-eared Owl on a wooden post next to what was then a dirt road that went to the auto tour route at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I wasn’t able to take photos of the owl that morning because I spotted it too late and the bird took off and flew away. I have vivid flashes of it in my memory though as it perched on that post in golden light and as it flew away.
Three days ago I spotted an adult Short-eared Owl male in the same location but it also took off and flew away then I saw another Owl take off from a mound of vegetation that followed the male. I didn’t get a great look at the second owl but it appeared to be a female.
Then I spotted two bright yellow eyes peering towards me from a mound of sunlit grasses and soon after that another pair behind a blooming clump of white wildflowers. The adult Short-eared Owls had been watching over their young that were nearly hidden from view.
I took quite a few photos of the fledgling Short-eared Owl that I had a clear view of and even though the lighting wasn’t the best I was enchanted by the views I had of it.
I can’t recall if I saw my first Short-eared Owl in this spot before or soon after I moved to Utah but it seemed fitting for me to see a family of owls there again.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
Just plain goofy is this young one! I had to turn my head sideways also to look at it! Love owls and your photography!
Owls ALWAYS melt my heart.
Thank you. And, as is so often the case, Marty has been taking words out of my mouth.
So glad you’re seeing Shorties and that they’re successfully reproducing. I hope that this is a trend! 🙂
Oh that is too cute, not a shot to refuse.
Enchanting for sure. And Whooo are you?
Love your owl photos.
Definitely curious. What a cutie!