Great Horned Owl chicks at this stage are inquisitive, adventuresome, cute and clumsy – all of which makes them wonderful photography subjects.
1/500, f/6.3, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
There’s been a pair of Great Horned Owls on the western Montana farm where I grew up for many years now. They nest in the old granaries and barns that were built back in the 30’s and 40’s which makes for a rustic setting that I like. Most of these images were taken in low light so the warm colors of the old wood were subdued but I think the subjects make up for it.
This granary cutout was a favorite perch for this youngster. The dark stain below the owl is gopher blood – the ubiquitous Richardson’s Ground Squirrel is the primary prey for these birds.
1/1000, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
At this age the chicks are relentless explorers. My typical morning routine is to investigate the old farm equipment and buildings to see where they’ll turn up and it truly could be almost anywhere. These last four images were taken four summers ago when there were two owl siblings. Sometimes I’d find them together and other times they’d strike out on their own. This youngster was at the base of one of the old granaries that was littered with rusty metal.
1/250, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is the sibling of the previous bird. Obviously they don’t always choose an ideal setting to hang out in but I’m happy just to find them. Sometimes I don’t…
1/1000, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
These chicks really get around. Just as the sun came up I found this one perched on the cleated metal wheel of a very old farm implement. There’s lots of blood on its feet from an earlier gopher snack.
1/30, f/5.6, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I’ve posted this image before but given the subject of this post how could I not do so again?
When I got up at 4:35 AM I looked out the window and saw this bird perched on an old junked motorcycle (last licensed in 1979). It was still quite dark (even in northern Montana in June) and I wasn’t set up with my tripod so I had to hand-hold my huge lens at 1/30 second, thus the slightly soft image. I got off a half-dozen shots before the owl flew off to the security of one of the granaries.
Even though I seldom get these chicks (or their parents) on natural perches I’m always delighted to find them on the old farm equipment and buildings that mean so much to me.
Ron
What a fabulous series of photgraphs, Ron! I don’t think most folks truly appreciate the level of expertise you have mastered to be able to pull all of the elements together, both physical and intellectual, to create images like these under the circumstances in which you did. This has to be one of my favorite posts as of late from your vast collection. I offer you my envious compliments! Nice work!
Really wonderful images Ron! Their yellow eyes contrast beautifully with the pure black space behind your first shot and the green grass of the third.
They are cute and I find it intimidating when they look me in the eye with their piercing stare. Love the shots including the re-“cycled” one.
Love it!
Thanks, Nala.
Lovely shots! We have a great horned owl family that lives near us in Teasdale. They perch on the roof at night, specifically the chimney, and hoot. We also have a larger that life statue of an owl that they perch on and discard their pellets to the porch (my dog eats them if I am not quick enough to retrieve them). More than once, I have had to clean bunny guts of the top of my car where they love to eat their meal while perched on my utility rack. I have seen their dark shadows on the house, but only the remnants of their presence in the other places, so no photos, yet!
Wow, Tana – sounds like you get to see (and hear) a lot of owl “stuff” with your birds. I’m jealous – I only get to see my owls after a 700 mile drive.
Love the weathered wood almost as much as the birds…beautiful, soft, warm colors compliment the birds so well., And contrast with their fluffiness. Owlet in 4th frame appears to be in cahoots with you about something, judging from the wink…riding without a helmet???
I agree, Patty – the combination of the wood and the owls just seems to go together.
How the heck did that bird get a license? He looks much to young. Owls can’t even get a learner’s permit here until they’re 16… They are awfully cute at this age, playful as kittens, and I love the whinnying sounds they make….(I’ve never heard them in any bird tapes).
AWWWWWW!!! Ron!!! I want one!!!!!!!!!! Sooooo darling!!!!! The expression on the face of the third one is just too cute. You should ask everyone to think up good captions!!! Loved this … great way to start the day!!!!
Thank you, Lois. You liked them, I can tell…
Soooo beautiful Ron! Such fantastic shots and what a joy to see!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
These are great shots Ron! I think some of us tend to see images like this differently. As wonderful as they are, I look at them as individuals that suggest comic relief. One could have a saying for each one of your images. I really enjoyed them, many thanks!
I thought of some of those “sayings” too, Dick – “Hawg Owl” was one that came to mind. Thank you.
Very nice images…that old motorcycle actually looks like it’s in good condition, considering the age….
The motorcycle really was in pretty good shape, Bill. It was kept in one of the old granaries where the owls like to roost.
These babies are so wonderful! This last little guy looks like he’s ready to go exploring on his motorcycle. I love seeing the the flight feathers coming in while the rest of the baby is covered in down in the second image.
I know what you mean, Sharon. When I first started photographing owls at this age I was somewhat surprised that they could fly.