I needed an owl fix this morning and this rousing Short-eared Owl fit the bill.
- “Rouse – The action of a bird erecting its feathers and then shaking them; part of grooming; a sign of a relaxed and content bird”.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed the bird this past summer in Box Elder County, Utah. The slightly soft wooden post next to the perch is probably a bit of a distraction but for me the owl quickly grabs my attention and the post is largely ignored. I was hoping for takeoff shots but this bird was relaxed in my presence and more interested in taking it easy.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
When it unexpectedly began to rouse I fired off a quick burst and this series is the result.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I found it interesting that before the rouse began the owl rarely looked at me but it’s eyes were glued to me during the entire shaking session. I see the same tendency in many other birds, raptors in particular. It’s my working theory that birds may feel somewhat vulnerable during a rouse so they watch any nearby potential threat carefully until it’s over.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The owl was flopping around like a rag doll during this unusually vigorous rousing session.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Loose feathers sometimes fall away from the bird while they’re shaking and this time was no exception.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I’m sure the owl was aware of the falling feather (very few things escape their attention)…
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
but it seemed disdainful of the loss.
Birds rouse to rearrange their feathers and to expel any bothersome debris from between them. The raised feathers create gaps that allow the bird to remove dirt and any damaged or loose feathers and the shaking action causes that debris to fall away from the bird. They also rouse after bathing to shake off the water.
I always feel somewhat honored when a bird rouses in my presence because it can be an indicator that I’m not perceived as an immediate threat. Conversely, raptors in particular sometimes rouse in preparation for takeoff.
Ron
Just lovely. Another thing that can happen during a rouse is a cloud of dust (feather shaft flakes during the molt and just dust). I’ve noticed that same thing that they focus on possible threats while they rouse, too. I can spend a lifetime watching them do things like rouse, bathing, sunbathing, hunting, oh just whatever they want to do in the moment. I’m so addicted 🙂
But what a wonderful addiction Laura.
May it always be satiated.
My temporary roommate, a new falconer (still an apprentice) and I were talking about the addiction part last night. It really doesn’t matter how you feel or how much you hurt, the BIRD needs to go hunt. And it’s NOT about you. It’s about the bird–ALWAYS! The bird is the center of your universe and that’s good. I’ve been at this 24 years now and I’m a completely different person. I like this person. And it’s all because of a gorgeous redtail hawk, a Harris’ hawk and a Kestrel (who is EVIL and punctured me repeatedly today).
But what a wonderful addiction Laura.
May it always be satiated.
Once again a big thank you for a wonderful bird and commentary. Í just love the eyes as well. Magnificent owl
Beautiful owl! I’m always amazed at what birds are able to use as a perch, seemingly without any discomfort too!
Wonderful series Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
What a beauty. Thank you Ron!
You’re very welcome, Jean.
Ooooh.
I am so very grateful for the owl fix you give us.
Thanks, EC.
Beautiful series of a very interesting behavior. I’m in agreement with all who have commented on the apparent fact that animals know who is safe and who is not. I’ve had several experiences where a wild animal has relaxed in my presence, and those times are always special and amazing.
“I’ve had several experiences where a wild animal has relaxed in my presence, and those times are always special and amazing.”
I agree, Susan. When it happens it always gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling… 🙂
That first perched shot really shows how amazingly long their wings are. These guys and barn owls fly like moths – such a light bird and such long wings.
Louise, as a photographer I’m grateful for their long wings and moth-like flight. That trait helps me distinguish a far-off owl in flight from most other birds.
I wonder if they rouse because they feel threatened and want to “puff up” to deter enemies.
Kent, In certain situations some birds do “puff up” for the reason you mention – young owls are known for doing that. But I don’t believe that would be called rousing.
Wow – Love it, Love it, Love it, Ron!! Such a spectacular series of this very handsome Owl!! I’m so happy this fellow felt safe enough in your presence to let you capture this series. What is also interesting to me is that I’m going to a talk at the Green Cay Nature Center today. It is one of their “Science for Seniors” lectures ( they have 2-3 per month during the “Winter Season”)and today’s lecture is “The Owl Prowl” We are even going to be able to dissect owl pellets at the end!!! The Okeehele Nature Center is giving the talk and they house non-releasable Raptors at their site. I can’t wait to see what owls we get to see!! Your series today has really got me all worked up and I can’t wait for 1:00 PM!!!
Sounds like the subject of this post was good timing for you, Jo Ann. I hope you enjoy the lecture very much.
Hi Ron,
Picking up on Dick’s comment, “I think birds of prey pick their post based on what they want to do at the time…”. Well, I pick my “post” every morning, and it is YOURS. It is my way of rousing. Even when (I might THINK) I know the subject, you always manage to teach me something, put a smile on my face, or in some way get me “roused”. Thanks, “teach”!
Cheers,
Dick
Your comment brought a big smile, Dick. And it helped to make it all worth it. Thanks so much.
Here’s another “ditto” of Dick’s comment. I learn so much from every post and for that I am incredibly grateful! I especially enjoyed yesterday’s post for that very reason.
Today’s owl is a tribute to you as a human being. I really think animals have a special sense about certain people. I often see it in the reactions of the animals at the shelter.
“I really think animals have a special sense about certain people”
I think you’re right, Marty. Critters often react differently to individual humans. And some even seem to have a preference for either human males or females.
Love the Shorties! Seeing one rouse is a special treat, indeed. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful series!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Diane.
Nice series…
🙂
Cool! They would be vulnerable during a rouse – a split second, is too long in some scenarios! I’m with Dick Harlow. I truly appreciate your blog for the pictures, education, and interacting with you and others. It’s part of my morning ritual along with coffee looking for your post also as well as later in the day to see what the conversation is. 🙂 Thx! 🙂
“a split second, is too long in some scenarios”
That’s it exactly, Judy!
Thank you for the very kind words.
Great photos…so beautiful. And ditto to what Dick said!!
Thank you, Zaphir.
The intensity of the gaze is amazing.
I must have looked like a suspicious character that morning, Arwen…
What do you mean “that” morning? 🙂
I can look innocent in a pinch!
LOL that is to your credit, I’m sure. 😀
Wonderful shots Ron.
I think birds of prey pick their post based on what they want to do at the time. Either rouse their feathers or look for prey or look over their environment or whatever. Fun to speculate though, from a human point of view.
It has been a couple of years now, so I just want to thank you Ron, for a fantastic blog that is educational, delightful and empathetic, coupled with phenomenal photographs. Like many of us here your blog and a cup of java, is the highlight of my early morning transition.
What a nice comment, Dick.
I enjoy the interaction with readers at least as much as many blog followers say they enjoy my photos and the discussions here. In fact, on mornings when I’m out shooting soon after posting, I go through withdrawal because I can’t respond to comments while I’m driving. Or at least I shouldn’t… 🙂
Beautiful images of such an amazing owl species Ron. Thank for the explanation of the rouse too (now I have another word I need to remember 🙂 ). I think it is interesting, and impressive, the owl chose to perch on the metal tee-post instead of the wooden fence post. Their balance is amazing.
I wondered the same thing, Ed. It makes one ponder what goes through their minds when they make such a choice. I suspect this bird chose the metal post because it knew I’d prefer to photograph it on the wooden one. Birds can be contrary beings at times… 🙂
Ron: Beautiful shots. Great explanation/description. Thank you.
Thanks, Richard.