We recently found a Great Horned Owl that likes to hang out in some tamarisk close to the Great Salt Lake. Usually the owl is deeply buried in the foliage and can’t even be seen unless you know where to look but of course getting clear shots of the bird is impossible in that situation.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
However on cold early mornings this bird likes to get a little warming sun and has found one spot where it’s open enough that it can soak in some rays and still feel safe and hidden by the enclosing tamarisk. By careful maneuvering I can get a relatively clear view of the owl from a close vantage point (without disturbing it). It’s a busy setting for the bird but I like that the spot it has chosen to warm up in is so dense with leaves that they almost seem to wrap protectively around the owl.
We’ve had several opportunities with this bird in exactly the same spot over the last couple of weeks. At least we thought it was a single bird but then yesterday sharp-eyed Mia noticed (while editing and culling images) that the plumages don’t match from day-to-day. There are two owls that use this spot and we have photos of both of them. A pleasant surprise!
Ron
Gorgeous colors. The eyes and the tamarisk set each other off so well.
Beautiful image. I love the setting.
Thanks Jolie. Your understanding means a lot to me. Perhaps we’ll meet in the field one day and take it from there…
Sensational image. How wonderful to find such a cool spot Ron.
Hi Ron,
I completely understand. I am all about protecting the birds and wildlife of any kind.
Thanks for writing me back so quickly.
-Jolie
Thank you Jolie. Each post I make I give careful consideration to how much I say about location. Typically there are two situations where I don’t reveal location – owls of any kind (unless the location is already widely known and in a very public place) and nesting birds. This policy is not meant so that I can selfishly keep these locations to myself but rather to protect the birds. Just as one example, I know of two Burrowing Owl burrows that were abandoned this spring because people would walk right up to the burrow entrances. As one Utah State Parks employee told me when I asked about an abandoned burrow – “they’re gone because they were loved to death by people”. I sincerely hope that you understand…
How lovely. Jealous thoughts wending your way.
Dear Ron,
I LOVE this picture of the Great Horned Owl. Do you ever share your location? I would love to check out this beautiful bird.
Thanks,
Jolie