Juvenile Short-eared Owl in flight – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Yesterday morning I spent time with several Short-eared Owls in Beaverhead County, Montana knowing it would be my last morning spent photographing this trip. I hoped for opportunities with owls, raptors, and maybe a few songbirds in soft morning light. I didn’t really get the songbirds but I did get my wish with owls and raptors. The sky was clear, temps were in the upper 40’s to low 50’s, and it felt absolutely marvelous to me.
This Short-eared Owl in flight over a wet meadow was just one of my favorite images taken yesterday in the Centennial Valley. I had taken a series of images of it perched on a fence post and when I could see that it was getting ready to lift off I focused and waited until it took flight. I was very happy with this frame because of the down-swept wings, the light and the layers of colors in the background. I had enough shutter speed to practically freeze the motion in the wings too.
I will hate to leave the cooler temperatures I have been experiencing here for the much warmer ones in the Salt Lake Valley but it is time to head home. It has been a fantastic journey and as usual I will be sad to leave.
But there are birds in Utah calling to me.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
fabulous SEO in flight, Mia. I have snowy owls in flight on my BIRDS.> SNOWY OWL GALLERY
FABULOUS SEO in flight, Mia. I have snowy owls in flight from Boundary Bay 2012
Great shot Mia! I wonder if you could message me with any other in-flight photos of this bird. I see it is molting in its primaries which has been interesting me of late. Thanks 🙂
Like Patty (again) I am sad to hear that this trip is coming to an end. For you, and for us. And glad to know there will be others. And the power and grace of the owl speaks to my heart and soul. Thank you.
Beautiful photo. Safe travels.
What a beautiful image!!! Love the downswept wings and the silent power that implies…sorry to hear your trip is coming to an end…must be hard to go back to “city” life…it always was for me…felt very disoriented for several days…
That’s a beautiful shot. Almost as if he’s saying goodby….could just be my imagination I guess!!!
What a gorgeous animal, and so perfectly taken!
Raptors are a favorite of mine, I just love the “stare”, but Owls have a special place in my heart. Thank you for being so good at what you love to do, you enrich my life every morning ;`)
Beautiful photo, Mia. Love your Owls.
Yes, nice wing position!