I had my second opportunity of the season with a Barn Owl in flight yesterday morning at Bear River MBR.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
The owl was hunting the phragmites edges and wasn’t shy about occasionally approaching my pickup as it did so. It was 11° F. as I entered the refuge just after dawn and there was still snow on the ground so a few of these birds are still hunting during daylight, though this was the only Barn Owl I saw the entire morning. Many of my photos of this bird have blue sky in the background but here the backdrop is the snow-covered and partially shaded Promontory Mountains.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Here’s another background I like – largely because of the layers of blue water, out of focus phragmites, snow and wispy plant stems at bottom. I also enjoy the morning light on the bird, the flight posture and the almost 3-dimensional quality of the image. As is common with Barn Owls in flight there’s no catch light in the eye. Their eyes are so deeply set that it’s difficult for light to reach them.
Birds were generally slow on the refuge but I really enjoyed the morning. It was cold, quiet and beautiful and in 3 hours and 2 tours of the loop road I didn’t encounter another vehicle or person.
It doesn’t get much better than that.
Ron
Burrr…You are a disciplined man lol Love the last shot. Beautiful!
Thank you, Jean.
Beautiful photos, Ron. I’ve yet to see a barn owl in the wild but I’ll keep looking. Maybe this year.
I hope you get to see one sometime soon, Dave. Thank you.
I wonder where these beautiful owls roost when there’s no ,or few, buildings or trees available……
Patty, I see (and photograph) them roosting on the ground amongst the phragmites during the day. Don’t know for sure where they roost at night.
You’re right about that, Ron. Nothing like having the refuge to yourself. I grew up in Brigham City and in those days often had the refuge to myself, except during hunting season, of course. These are beautiful photos.
Cathryn, I didn’t spend as much time at Bear River “back then” as you did but it was still one of my favorite places to visit in the 70’s and early 80’s. Remember that big observation tower they had before the floods of 84? I used to climb up there with dozens of little kids (Junior Science Academy – Museum of Nat. History) – it was shaky and I had a fear of heights. Western Kingbirds had nests right in front of your face on the way up. I’ll never forget those times at the refuge.
The first one almost looks like the bird is pulling the colors with it. Very pretty
I like the way you describe things…
Thank you, Patty!
An interesting perspective, Arwen. My impression when I first saw the image was that the blue lines almost looked like dual contrails coming from the bird’s wings, as in a jet aircraft. That’s a reach I know but it’s what I immediately thought of.
Oh I can see that too!
Beautiful images Ron. Sounds like a perfect day in a beautiful refuge.
It was both, Ed. A morning I know you would have enjoyed.
You obviously have better light than we do when Barn Owls fly – I’m still trying for whatever Owl I can capture flying!!
Great shots Ron, wonderful color sharp as a tack to my eye!
Dick, for a few weeks in the winter we can catch them flying during daylight if we’re lucky. Even if I miss the shot I love watching them fly while hunting – just the experience is worth the price of admission.
“just the experience is worth the price of admission”
I agree with that – watching at some distance, rarely a Barn, more regularly a Short-eared is certainly the price of admission.
Beautiful Ron! Sounds burrŕr cold!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte. It was, but on this morning I enjoyed the cold.
Ron, allow me to enter a standing comment of “Oh WOW! This/These image(s) are SPECTACULAR!” Because they are…every day. Of course, half your work is already done with the diversity of outrageously awesome birds, but you’re there, capturing their glorious wonder.
I’ve been blessed to work with many owls/hawks/falcons over the years in both an educational setting (owls) and falconry (hawks/falcons). Barn owls are a particular joy–the intricate beauty of their feathers, both in the structure/design and coloring/decoration, is so far beyond spectacular to be ridiculous. So often, I find our language just doesn’t go where it needs to go to describe these birds. We have words that dance all around the wonder, but just doesn’t quite touch it. I’ve often pondered that concept–the why part of that. Holding a barn owl on my fist, up close and personal, takes me to deeply into gobsmacked!
“Holding a barn owl on my fist, up close and personal, takes me to deeply into gobsmacked!”
Laura, I’ve only had that opportunity once and I had the same feeling – “gobsmacked”. Thanks very much for the kind words about my images.
Beautiful! The Barn Owls are unique. I also love owls and enjoy our (almost) annual nest of Great Horned young. Getting the quiet morning is a huge bonus. 🙂
I envy you your GHO’s, Judy. I see them more often in Montana than I do here in Utah.
I love owls. I love Barn Owls the most. What you do with them is amazing Ron…thank you for doing what you do and then sharing with the rest of us.
There’s just something about owls, isn’t there, Zaphir? And Barn Owls are extra special for me because they’re so unique. Thank you.