Calling juvenile Burrowing Owl – Nikon D200, f5.6, 1/100, ISO 800, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 21.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
The first year I after I moved to Utah was great for photographing Burrowing Owls and their young both on Antelope Island State Park and the causeway to it. There was one burrow next to the causeway where I could get great looks and photographs of the adults and the four young that they had. It was great fun to watch the young Burrowing Owls grow, play and learn about becoming owls.
A few mornings I was there before the sun rose over the Wasatch Mountains to the east and it was on one of those mornings when I created this photo of a young owl calling for the adult that was nearby. I love how big the pupils are in this image and how I can see the morning sun in the juvenile Burrowing Owl’s eyes. Just a few minutes later and the sun’s golden light warmed up the rest of the photos I created that morning.
Sadly one of the adult Burrowing Owls at this burrow was killed by a passing car and the remaining adult raised the young owls on its own. I had hoped that adult would find another mate and return to the burrow again but the next year I only saw one owl at the burrow and only once.
The owls never nested at that burrow again. It was a great location for photographers to photograph the owls without disturbing them but for not so much for the owls.
Since that time I have been able to photograph these endearing owls on the island but never with as much intimacy as I did with these along the causeway.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Burrowing Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
That is a great shot!!
Thanks Keith
What a great shot Mia! That owl has “attitude”!
Thank you Nancy.
I love this shot!
Every parent has been called like that. Imperious, demanding and sooooo cute.
The facial expression on this baby is priceless. Thank you for starting my day off with a smile.
HAHAHAH!!!! Laugh out load ADORABLE, Mia!!!! Soooo fun!!!!! What an adorable, amazing creature. I’m sorry they didn’t return to that burrow, for you, but as you say, for them, it’s probably just as well. Thanks for the share … it’s one of those images that truly lights up the heart!!!
Fabulous shot!
Excellent picture! I love owls 🙂
Mia what a shot! You are so incredible at photography I could only dream!
You’re right, Mia, Life is good!
Thank you for pointing out the rising sun reflected in the eyes! It adds so much to an already wonderful image.