Juvenile Burrowing Owl Posing Up A Storm

The antics of Burrowing Owls are always entertaining but “personality” simply oozes out of the juveniles.

 

burrowing owl 0129 ron dudley

 1/400, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in

This youngster had recently fledged and had begun to do a little exploring.  On this early morning I found it on this perch just after sunrise.  Thus was further away from the burrow than I’d seen any of the juveniles up to that point.

 

 

burrowing owl 0130 ron dudley 1/400, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in

 Within just a few minutes it gave me a variety of interesting poses – first an enthusiastic yawn…

 

 

burrowing owl 0145 ron dudley

  1/500, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in

 and then long and drawn out wing stretch with left foot extended…

 

 

burrowing owl 0158 ron dudley

 1/500, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in

which concluded with the wing down and partially hidden behind the rock.

Soon after this shot was taken the bird flew back to the comfort and security of the burrow and the rest of its family.

Ron

18 Comments

  1. Please forgive the anthropomorphic comment, but these little jesters crack me up. Great photos!

    • They crack me up too, Mike – especially when I’m watching them through my lens. Nothing wrong with a little anthropomorphism now and then…

  2. Such an enchanting little bird. Am I right in thinking you were smiling broadly the whole time? Silly question – how could you not. Thank you – I am smiling loudly here.

    • Elephant’s Child, “smiling” doesn’t quite describe my occasional reactions to these birds. I spent a long time watching them (the entire family) through my lens when not much was going on. But when the antics of the juvies in particular would begin I actually missed shots because I was laughting too hard. They’re hilarious at times.

  3. What a sweetie! Thank you.

  4. I love to see its mouth open! I wish him/her well.

  5. Great series of candid shots! The superb quality is also kinda nice!

  6. Oh what fun! I love the last shot with the leg stretch. They have such L-O-N-G legs! Made my day. Thank you for posting once again, Ron!

  7. Personality indeed! That first shot made me laugh out loud from the cute. The wing size looks all out of proportion to the body size in that stretch display. Love it! Thank you as always Ron.

  8. This little guy is really cute. Your post reminds me that it will soon be baby bird season and that is a very welcome thought. Thanks!

    • Yep, baby bird season is right around the corner, Tana. I spent a couple of very cold hours this morning photographing magpies building their nest. Fun!

  9. Looks as though these little guys get into yoga early in life…very cute post Ron.

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