An adult Burrowing Owl on a May morning – Nikon D300, f8, 1/800, ISO 250, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
I’m getting ansty for spring migration and for the birds that it will bring including Burrowing and Short-eared Owls which I always look forward to photographing here in northern Utah. Some of the Burrowing and Short-eared Owls do stick around for the winter here but this winter I have not seen them myself so I can’t wait to see them again.
I haven’t been out to photograph in a few days because of the weather and I am starting to feel like climbing my living room walls, I want to check out my favorite spots for seeing both of these owl species.
I can nearly always count on finding Burrowing Owls on Antelope Island State Park during their breeding season but I haven’t photographed them there much the past few years because I feel like they already have enough pressure because they are so well known on the island and I don’t want to “Love them to death” so I try to find these small owls elsewhere. Some times I get lucky, some times I don’t.
Fluffed up adult male Short-eared Owl in northern Utah – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
With the nomadic Short-eared Owls you never know where you might find them, one year they might be completely absent and the next they are everywhere you look in the habitats they prefer. Two years ago it was great for Short-eared Owls, I just don’t know if this year will be boom or bust for this enigmatic species of owl.
I do know that I hope to find both Burrowing and Short-eared Owls this breeding season because they are beautiful birds and such fun to observe and photograph. Much to my delight each year I learn more & more about these owls and that suits me just fine.
Life is good.
Mia
Gorgeous shots Mia. Thanks.
Even on the screen owls make my heart sing. In person? I would probably be too busy ogling to lift the camera to my face. I am so very grateful you are made of stronger stuff.
I’ve been watching but have not seen many yet. I enjoy watching their antics, I get so buy I forget to take photos.
Hi Mia: I have just found your website and know you are an expert on sandhill cranes. I live in w. Palm beach, Fl. I had the luck of seeing 3 sandhill babies born. The father I named Henry and the mother Natalie. Last April 15th 2 chicks were born and on April 21 the mother came with the 3rd baby. All 3 lived with my help. Unfortunately, Henry was killed and Natalie joined the fight and severely damaged her leg. She made it for a few weeks then died. The babies were ready to go on their own. Then a large male crane showed up and helped Natalie to get them to be on their own. Then Natalie died and the new large male crane than came has continued to come to my house. We have very few sandhill cranes left in our development. I know he is looking for a mate. He is full grown and comes daily to see me. What can I do to help him. He seems to be sad. He has bonded to me and never misses a day. What can I do to help him find a new mate? Thank you for any info you can give me. I am an anmal lover and have never had any experiences with cranes or birds. I already love this big one and want to help him. Sincerely, Sunny