These two young siblings were just beginning to learn about the world soon after leaving the nest. They were hanging out right next to a rural road late last May in northern Utah and it was a delight to watch their curiosity on display.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 271mm, not baited, set up or called in
This one was intensely contemplating a rock. A big rock. It was obviously fascinated by its size and texture – perhaps it was the first big rock it had seen since leaving the dense vegetation its nest would have been in. As young owls so often do it was parallaxing the rock to try to get a read on it and that tilted head is always so endearing I had to document the behavior.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 400, Canon 7D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 400mm, not baited, set up or called in
The other young owl was perched a few feet away on an old, dead tumbleweed and watching the antics of its sibling. At one point this bird performed a magnificent wing stretch but it was so close to the road that I clipped a wing on most of those shots. Here its wings are returning to their normal position after the stretch. This is not a defensive or threat posture – both of these birds were completely relaxed and without an obvious care in the world.
Perhaps this setting is a little busy for some but I actually quite like the stark contrast between the dead tumbleweed perch and the lush colors and flowing patterns of the foxtail grasses in the background.
Last year was a banner year for Short-eared Owls in some areas of northern Utah but so far this year they have been few and far between. I’ve made several recent trips to this same area but I’ve seen very few of them – always flying far off in the distance.
Hopefully they’re just a little late returning because of our unusually wet weather.
Ron
Nice owls! Never saw one myself, heard them though.
Tumbleweeds are mean (but fun looking), but foxtails are the worst! When they get in my socks sometimes I find them a year later.
Levi
When they get in your socks they’re irritating and itchy on the ankles, aren’t they, Levi?
They are birds of infinite charm and definitely fall into the ‘feathered enchantment’ category. Thank you so much.
Agreed about their inherent charm, EC. Thanks.
Late to this post, but hope it was the weather that’s made them scarce…
Me too!
How does one resist at least a little chuckle.
🙂
Once again- wonderful way to start a dreary, overcast day! Thanks, Ron!
I’m glad you enjoyed the images, Diane. Thank you.
Looking forward to bright green grass along with avian subjects. Brown and white scenery is getting a tad old.
Wonderful images of a young Short-eared, many thanks for todays lift from reality! VBG!
Thanks, Dick. Sounds like you’ve had an unusually long winter. Hang in there!
Beautiful even if “busy” Owls are funny when parallaxing – The GHO young give us endless entertainment with that as well as having to learn how to perch and falling out of trees! 🙂 They like the big old cottonwood branches for that reason. Also amazing how parrot like they are climbing back up the tree!
Judy, I’ve never seen young ones in trees but I’ve seen instances where they’re definitely clumsy. Love those little guys!
Great shots Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Love those shots!
Thanks, Lynn.
Parallaxing owls always make me smile! I actually like the lushness of the background compared to the stark tumbleweed in the second shot — that contrast really allows the owl to pop. I wish I could have seen those magnificent wings all stretched out. These are great shots and I hope you’ll have the chance to get many more this season.
Marty, Last year was the best year for SEO’s I’ve ever experienced here in Utah and it was also very good in some areas of Montana and Idaho – “best year” defined by the large number of owls I saw, both adults and offspring. Hopefully that bodes well for them in the future.