The owl knew there was a vole nearby but he was having a devil of a time locating it.
1/640, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
I had been photographing this bird in June three years ago as (s)he hunted from a post near the Montana/Idaho border when he suddenly flew to the ground right in front of me in obvious pursuit of prey – probably a vole. He was so close to me I had to remove my teleconverter to keep all of him in frame. As reflected by my camera settings he was in deep, early morning shade so I didn’t have high hopes for the many photos I took of him but in the end I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked them.
This bird was actively hunting as (s)he desperately tried to locate the vole it had apparently seen or heard amongst all the twigs on the ground. He kept turning his head in different directions as he used all his senses to come up with a meal but when it eventually became evident that his efforts would be fruitless he gave up and flew off to another perch.
As I reviewed photos of this bird for today’s post many wonderful memories of my Montana camping trips came flooding back. Thanks to my recent surgery for the first time in almost two years I have reasonable hopes of getting my old life back again, including camping trips to Montana.
There’s some optimism in this old pessimist after all.
Ron
Beautiful shot!
Thanks, Jean.
The epitome of owl. The perfection of feathers. Eyes and ears exquisitely attuned to its domain. And still the prey eludes.
Thought-provoking image. Hope you can hook up the trailer and go take more photos like this soon.
Thank you, Lyle. Hooking and unhooking the trailer will be one of my many challenges for a while.
Ron, a very intriguing photo along with your comments. Thank you.
So glad that you have hopes of using your trailer and your camera again. Still counting down with you to your date.
Thank you, Alice.
This is such a lovely pose…love the image and the composition…these owls are so beautiful!!!
They are. Thanks, Patty.
Emily Dickinson leapt to mind as I read your post, and her poem seemed entirely appropriate to you. I have included the first verse.
‘Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,’
I am so very glad it is singing for you, and always, but always love owls.
Love the poem, and the sentiment, EC. Thank you.
Dear Ron, I truly hope you are back to what you love very soon. I wish you all the best, luck included.
Yesterday I had my Canon 60D with my 100-400 lens stolen in Gaborone, Botswana. I know that it’s not the biggest or newest but, not only did it serve me well, but it had strong emotional attachments for me. I feel angry and sad but will do my best to get it back. It’s probably the best camera in Bots so it might be difficult to get rid of.
Greetings from Botswana, Judy
I fully understand emotional attachments to lenses, Judy. I’m very sorry.
I had an interesting conversation the other day with a work colleague about how we as humans become attached to and assign human feelings (I don’t use the other word because I can never get it right – shoot, I can’t even say it) to all sorts of things – places, machines, animals, etc. Despite my early education that animals don’t think beyond their rote programming and don’t have feelings, I am now convinced, which seems to be supported by recent studies, that animals do think a lot and definitely have feelings. And no, I am not vegan. I certainly do not believe that machines and places have any sort of thoughts or feelings but every once and a while, I wonder if there is something there. When we as humans “create” something, does that something have more than just the the springs and motors? Probably not. A camera is just that, nothing more. Same with an old cherished truck. We don’t create mountains, but a mountain is also just a big pile of rocks, nothing more. We understand so little about our universe though. Maybe there is more to this.
Sheesh Ron, look what you cause. I shouldn’t be thinking this much on a Sunday morning.
Ha, it’s ALWAYS a good time to think, Brad!
My thoughts on this subject have also evolved in recent years.
Beautiful post, Ron. I envy those of you who get to watch Shorties on warm summer days! My observations are always on cold winter days at dusk, eyes straining in the fading light as bitter winds blow across the frozen marsh. Ahhhhhh, the joys of birding! Glad to hear that you’re hopeful for future photo road trips.😊
Yeah, I’m lucky in that way, Diane. Nearly all of my sightings of them are in summer.
Stunning photograph! I’m looking forward to seeing one of these beauties in person one day. Thanks, once again, for posting it and sharing with us.
So glad you are feeling hopeful about the future!
And I’m looking forward to seeing them again. Thanks, Joanne.
Great photo Ron. Colors and they eye are so pronounced even in that early morning shade. Here’s hoping the healed surgery leads back to many roads and feathered friends of your youth.
Thank you, Everett.
That owl’s displaying the most ALERT posture and facial “expression” ( might be anthropomorphism speaking ) that I’ve seen in a very long time–seems like HOPE—which is
the essence of life itself, in my book–so happy that you’re feeling it now !
A little hope has sure influenced my life outlook in a positive way, Kris. Too bad this owl’s hope wasn’t a little more fruitful but I’m sure he did better later in the morning.
I love these owls as they are such a challenge here in Colorado.
In regard to your last sentence: Hope springs eternal…
I think they’re a challenge just about anywhere. Thanks, Mark.
Beautiful shot, Ron…… 🙂 It is fun to watch critters (even our dog) use their ears to find prey……. VBG that you’re feeling hopeful about future camping trips! 🙂 Snow shoveling yesterday has this old body complaining this morning – lane is a mess but think we can get out if we have to….. 😉
Man, do I ever remember those “think we can get out if we have to” days from Montana, Judy. I remember feeling very vulnerable on some of those days.
And the older we get, the more vulnerable we feel!
Love, Love, Love this!😍 This photo really highlights the face so very well! They are so interesting to watch as they are searching…I imagine the words going through their minds! 🤨 You have given me my fix for a few days as I desperately search for the illusive owl. Hope springs eternal…me for a ShortEar, you for your old pain-free life! 😊
May we both have our elusive quests fulfilled, Kathy!