Sunrise and a Short-eared Owl chick – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
During my years as a bird photographer I have been so very fortunate to see and photograph many amazing birds, observe their behaviors, and to learn more about the lives of my feathered subjects. My journeys into the field have often gifted me with a sense of connection to the birds I photograph, to the land, and to nature. One of those intense and intimate experiences happened nearly four years ago when by a stroke of serendipity I found myself on a country road with three Short-eared Owl chicks in front of me at sunrise.
That morning I left home before 5 a.m. to drive north to meet up with a friend and fellow photographer from out of state and while I drove up the interstate I decided to do a little exploring in Box Elder County before I met up with her. I’m so very grateful I decided to do that and that I had changed my direction of travel at one point because of a vehicle on the road in front of me or I would have missed a wonderful opportunity and a treasured memory with those owlets that I hold close to my heart.
I spent a few minutes photographing some of the cutest Short-eared Owl chicks that were just the width of a ditch away from the road that May morning. Today I am sharing two photos of one of those young owls who appeared to be the youngest of the three.
It was quiet, there wasn’t even a breeze to ruffle the fluffy feathers of the owlets but I do recall the scent of sage hanging in the air while I quickly took photos of the young owls. In the photo above the golden glow that happens just after dawn was still evident on the young owl’s plumage.
Short-eared Owl chick resting just after sunrise – Nikon D810, f8, 1/500, ISO 250, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Between the top photo and this one I had taken my Jeep out of park and silently rolled a few feet forward to get a better, clearer view of this chick. I wanted an image with the young owl centered in the frame with it looking straight forward.
Four years later I look at these Short-eared Owl chick photos and feel tremendously pleased that I picked a fork in the road that led me to the three gorgeous Short-eared Owl chicks.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Short-eared Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
Note: I only spent a few minutes photographing the three Short-eared Owl chicks from the inside of my vehicle because I didn’t want to stress them and even though they always appeared calm while I photographed them I knew that if I stayed any longer the chances of my presence stressing the chicks would increase. I also didn’t want my presence to upset the parents of the chicks or prevent them from bringing in food for their offspring. The comfort and safety of my subjects is always more important than a photo.
Wonderful pics of one of my favs. I’ve loved owls long before Harry Potter was even a twinkle in J. K. Rowling’s eye. Thanks Mia.
What a fortunate fork! 🙂 Woo Hoo! What a serendipitous morning.
Lucky, lucky you.
And us.
Are they surprised at the brightness of the sun? Or just sleepy? Great shots!
I love those chance encounters. and I got my dose of cuteness for the day when I looked at these chicks.
Such a joy to find owl chicks! Their feathers are so fluffy!
I remember the ones we checked out on Honey Moon Island!
So wonderful to find and photograph. It really blends in with the dead sage.
Those “wowlets!” have the sunrise in their eyes! What serendipity! Thank you for sharing.
Have seen two adults this year in that same area. I was so excited, I forgot to breathe while shooting.Your photos are so indicative of the passion you carry with you for all of this desert you have adopted as home. Thanks for sharing.
You were meant to photograph them! Wonderful shots.
Fabulous
Honey they are so beautiful! I love seeing them in 2018 and I hear them here but do not see them often! Great shooting them ! Love mom