American Barn Owl covered in hoar frost – D200, f7.1, 1/125, ISO 320, +0.3 step EV, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This American Barn Owl covered in hoar frost was taken during my first full winter living in Utah and it was also the subject of my first blog post here on my site. I took this photo on December 19, 2009 so almost twelve years ago.
Watching and photographing this frost covered American Barn Owl was a new experience for me because I had moved to Utah from sunny and much warmer Florida where I could get into the water to photograph birds practically year round.
It was foggy the morning I photographed this owl, snow was falling, and the lighting conditions were poor. I figured if the owl could stand up to the bitter cold I could too and that maybe living in Utah would be good for me as far as bird photography goes.
Yet I felt bad for the owl because it was so cold and looking at its frost covered face made me shiver.
Winters have changed since I moved to Utah because the snow doesn’t fall as often and it doesn’t come down as heavy either. Snow pack levels in the mountains has been low for several years and it has been warmer in the winter than what is “normal” for this time of the year.
Even the hoar frost doesn’t build up as thick anymore. I suspect winters might be easier for American Barn Owls like this one now but I don’t really know for sure. I do know that I don’t see Barn Owls as often as I used to during the winter so that could mean they are able to hunt primarily at night instead of having to hunt during the day to eat enough just to survive.
This owl did make a huge impression on me because it was tough enough to withstand the brutal winter nights out in the marshes and wetlands of Farmington Bay. The birds that stick around in northern Utah for the winter are all tough and amazing.
I like going back and processing older images because I have learned so much more about my subjects than I knew when I photographed them originally plus the older photos are an intrinsic part of my journey as a bird photographer. It’s all good.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Barn Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
That poor, cold owl. I can’t imagine having to be out hunting in that weather.
An amazing capture, Mia! Thanks for sharing.
Amazing shot and experience. The owl may be long gone but I can almost still feel his pain from the distance of time and space.
Great picture! Apparently southward migration not an option
Amazing shot! I wonder if the “mask” of frost actually helps insulate the owl’s face, since it would somewhat reduce airflow directly against the skin. It doesn’t appear to be bothering him, or he would have quickly shaken or stroked it away.
That is/was one cold morning. And an amazing capture of am amazingly resilient bird.
Gorgeous! Barn owls are an extraordinary demonstration of stealth. I love them. Your picture is also extraordinarily lovely.
I have seen large birds covered in snow but never hoar frost & so much of it. Poor thing. Looking back on your images of 12 years ago, you can see how climate change has crept up on us. Great shot!
Love the image!!