Technically this is an Idaho owl but I found it yesterday morning only about a mile from the Montana border. It was just after dawn and the clouds were thick so I had very little light but the male owl was cooperative to help make up for the conditions.
1/200, f/9, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
He was hunting from a weathered post very near the road. Not long after this shot was taken he attempted to pounce on an apparent nearby vole but he missed it and soon flew to another low perch. I was able to photograph him in all three places so I may post some of those images in the future.
Regular readers know that I’ve photographed many Short-eared Owls in Utah this spring but I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how many of them I’ve seen in southwest Montana and Idaho this trip.
I’m hoping that suggests a good year for this species in the entire Intermountain West. They deserve the success after struggling so much in recent years.
Ron
Beautiful shot Ron!
Charlotte
What an absolute charmer. Even half a world away he/she has stolen my heart.
Megathanks.
Beautiful details!!
OMG, Ron – s/he is a real beauty!! I just can’t get enough of any raptor you find on your Montana photography field trip. Keep them coming!! Hope you have perfect weather throughout your trip – He, he – that means lots of gorgeous Wildlife photos for us to drool over!!
Another Beautiful Portrait Ron!
I am blown away by the beauty of this bird. I agree with Judy that the lighting works very well in this shot. lGlad to hear that SEOs are doing well in Montana and Idaho also.
I echo Judy’s comments…love this shot! Very pensive-looking, though probably focused on its next meal….i hope trip is going well with few frustrations and many good opportunities, plenty of cooperative birds and a lot of sweet light…
What an outrageous beauty!! Thank you for beginning my puppy-crazed morning with this bit of serenity and peace. You ROCK!
Beautiful shot – feather detail is great and the lighting works VERY well in this situation. 🙂
Another beautiful owl…so glad you’re seeing more of them. 1/200…that’s unusual for you. F9 seems a smidge higher as well. Did you have unusual conditions that caused this?