Long-eared Owl (January 2004)This is the first owl I saw in the wild. It was in a stand of trees behind a bar in Thorofare, NJ. I was on a NJAS field trip for waterfowl, but the first place we were going to was closed because it was covered with ice. The second stop was also iced over. Even the Delaware river was lined withe ice. One of the participants on the trip (who was also a field trip leader) asked if we wanted to go see an owl instead. We said yes. There were actually several owls in this tree, but only this one was readily visible.
After this the trip broke up (it was very cold) but several of us decided to try a couple of the other planned locations for the day, one of which was Flood Gates Road. And it was there that I spotted a great horned owl on a nest. At first I didn't recognize what I was looking at, seeing only eyes looking back at me. Then it clicked in and I excitedly called over my companions.
I had gone on at least a half a dozen owl prowls and had never seen one. And now two species in one day. And I spotted one for myself. It was a good day.
7 comments:
Fabulous catch! I am so jealous - I would love to find an owl!! Beautiful pic!
Isn't it exciting when something planned actually happens; also when something totally unexpected comes along that is just icing on the cake. We have two preserves available to us. We have a lot of snow geese and lesser sandhill cranes stop over in them. We are in flyover bird migrations in the central valley of California.
I know hr saw you, but how did you see him, you must be eagle eyed. Great Spot, great shot.
Great shot.
What a beautiful bird! It was a very successful day...
This is a great shot! I love photographing wildlife. When you find something, it' feels like you've found a treasure! I agree with Ron though, how did you even see it, he's so well camouflaged!
You Lucky dog... I was traveling on a country hwy last Tuesday, it was dark and suddenly a white and black owl that was huge, was in front of my car. His claws were as big as my hands. I slowed and right in front of me he tried to lift of with the kill, then landed on the side of the road. I even had my camera, but no shot for me, it just happen to quick.. but great for you.. very good shot. Lucky dog...
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