I left Ann at home this morning, as she wanted to catch up on her household chores. She was understandably jealous, that I was going to go birding and shooting without her, but someone had to do it.
We had discovered a Great Horned Owl’s nest in the fork of a tree a couple of days ago. I am thinking that there are may be some owlets hidden there. Great Horned Owls lay there egg sometime in January thru February. The incubation period is from 28-35 days. So based on that, the little guys should be ready to fledge.
I saw no sign of owlets, however the mother, I presume, flew from the nest as I approached from about 50 yards away. I stayed back a good distance and watched as she landed in a nearby tree. I got my Canon 70D and 150-600mm lens and cautiously got out of the car. I hand-held the camera, steadying myself against a nearby tree and shot this photo. The advantage of a long lens, of course, that I can get images from a good distance without disturbing the bird.
Great Horned Owl
I watched from behind a tree for awhile, then she took flight and flew back to the nest. Again with my long lens, I was able to catch her peeking at me from her shelter. Even though I was around 50 feet away she was obviously aware of me.
Great Horned Owl in her nest.
Since there was no sign of any owlets, I left her to her motherly duties and left the scene.
I drove through the local parks and saw several of the usual resident species. I got a couple more photos to show you.
Vermilion Flycatcher
Ladder-backed Woodpecker – female
It was a fun morning even though Ann wasn’t with me. I missed her doing most of the spotting. But I done all right by myself, anyway. Of course, the highlight was photographing the owl.
I think I must come visit you so you can take me to see owls!! Wonderful shots, especially the one of her peeking around to look at you. They are incredible birds! I was hoping to go to several birding areas this week on spring break but they are calling for rain every day this week! Ugh. Hopefully it won’t be a complete wash-out and I’ll get some birding in.
You could do worse than coming to west Texas. A great chance to see an owl. At least, you won’t see much of that rain. 🙂
It is miserable today, cold and very rainy. Would gladly send some of it your way. 🙂 I know you need it down there. But, it will bring those May flowers, right??
Thank God for long lenses and keeping a respectful distance. Enjoyed the menagerie.
Thanks, Jane, I appreciate your comments. 🙂
Wonderful Owl shot Bob! The peek-a-boo photo is my favorite. Yes thank goodness for long lenses. 🙂
Many thanks, Alison. I agree, that is photo is a little cutie. 🙂
Love the photo of the owl peeking from the fork in the tree!
Thanks, Judy. I think that is my favorite, too. 🙂
We have one here. I hear the bird at night, and have seen him or her at dusk.
Thanks for commenting, Lavinia. If you look close, you may see him in the daylight. 🙂
Sort of jealous about your Big Bend trip. One of these years……
You really need to do it. You definitely won’t regret it. There are RV parks. Many great birding areas. Since you are there in south Texas all summer, you might even consider a short 2-3 day side trip there. Less humidity, cooler nights