Adult Great Horned Owl on a February morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
My best find yesterday morning was a resting adult Great Horned Owl that I spotted in a thicket next to a field while traveling 40 to 45 miles per hour. Pointing the owl out in the tangle of branches was not as easy as finding the owl but eventually I succeeded.
I am never not looking for birds. If you know me even a little you are very aware of that fact. And the fact is that it pays off for me that I am never not looking for birds and for the people that I am with.
The first thing I saw was the bright yellow eyes of this Great Horned Owl then its face and bulky body.
Great Horned Owl resting in a thicket – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I suppose that I could wish that the Great Horned Owl had been resting out in the open instead of in a thicket but I won’t. Yes, there are a lot of branches and I guess you could call this setting messy and distracting.
But this is where the owl chose to rest and this is where I photographed it. The only thing I can do as a bird photographer in a situation like this is my best.
Adult Great Horned Owl resting in a thicket – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I do wonder though how many people drove right past this big Great Horned Owl and never saw it at all. Maybe everyone except me.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Great Horned Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great find for sure! The Great Horned Owl is one of my top 3 favs. The subtle colors and sharp detail you captured in each shot is incredible. These beautiful pics are like a late Christmas gift. Thanks Mia.
That is one “chill” owl! ❤️
What a beautiful bird! Personally I like photographing birds in their habitat whatever it is. I know the bird just a bit better. Like you I too am always looking. I admire yours so much and like your background stories. Thanks a lot.
Agree with Granny Pat about the way he is keeping his feet warm by keeping them under his feathers.
Love the way the feathers wrap around the branch he’s sitting on.
Purrrrrrfect….looks so much like WOL it could be him..❤️Thank you!
I am endlessly impressed at your amazing eyesight. And grateful. So very grateful.
If you see a GHO without a ton of branches in front of him, that’s a lucky day!
Love owls and Happy Valentine’s Day Mia
Great eye, Mia!
One of my favorite Raptors and you nailed it, Way to go!!
WOW – such a beauty!
OMGosh, gorgeous photos. I love how the feathers drape over the branch of the tree.