There has been breeding Great Horned Owls on the Montana farm where I grew up for many years and when I’m there in spring or early summer I can usually count on several curious youngsters exploring their surroundings as they learn the ropes. It’s a big farm with many outbuildings so it’s always a challenge to find them once they fledge. It’s a pleasant early morning ritual for me to wander around and try to locate them – it’s almost like a game we play. That time of day they seem to prefer east-facing perches on some of the 80-year-old granaries and barns so they can bask in the warmth of the rising sun on those cool Montana mornings.
1/1000, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
They’re often in pairs but I found this one off by itself on one of those old granaries. These young birds never show alarm or nervousness with my presence though they’re very curious about me when I first approach. However, almost invariably it only takes a few minutes for curiosity to be replaced by…
1/800, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
sleepiness. This youngster yawned repeatedly…
1/400, f/10, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
and enthusiastically in a relatively short amount of time.
1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
Soon the owl could barely keep its eyes open so I retreated back to the farm-house for another much-needed cup of coffee and let the bird be.
I love that farm for a variety of reasons – family, memories and Montana’s famous “big sky” with its glorious sunrises and sunsets among them. I also enjoy the wildlife, including foxes, coyotes, deer, badgers, muskrats, weasels, skunks, hawks, Golden Eagles, many thousands of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels, a variety of songbirds and waterfowl and even the occasional pronghorn.
And then there’s those wonderful owls!
Ron
Well, this is spooky.
I went owling last night, specifically hoping for Great Horned Owls. Came up empty. Thought I’d access some of your past posts I remembered from a farm setting. And you go and save me the trouble! Thank you, Ron!
Back to the map to seek out other potential owl hangouts.
At first I thought, “My goodness, where did it’s eyeballs go” then I realized it has hairy eyelids and it is 6 a.m. I just think they are so cute and how lucky you are to see them. Think I will follow its example and go to bed now.
Awww. A heart melting post this morning. Thank you for sharing some of your memories of what sounds to be a very special place in your life and your heart. And, of course, thank you for this gorgeous youngster.
I love your owls, but I like your memories too. Makes me think of my experiences as a kid.
We’d be missing a lot without memories of “good old times”, wouldn’t we, Carolyn?
Love, love, love these pictures. Such great captures of this young owl. And all the yawning!! Made me sleepy too!! I would love to be able to live in a place where I had such great opportunity to see the wonderful creatures you encounter. I can’t wiat to get up int he morning now to see your next post. Thank you again Ron.
Ellen
I hope you enjoy tomorrow’s post as much as this one, Ellen. I have no idea what it will be yet…
What a great tapestry of texture and pattern the old barn boards and owl present together. Very rich! (They sure did know how to build things back then!)
I’m glad you like the wood, Louise. I also have a soft spot for it in combination with the owls. Yes, these buildings were built well by my grandfather, father and uncle.
What a precious baby! I especially love the facial expression in the first photo. I’ve never seen owls in the wild, so it’s nice to be able to get to know them a little through your experiences.
I hope you get to see some owls one day, Susan. It’s always a memorable experience.
Awwww…..Your first photo nicely demonstrates how an owl’s pupils react independently. And goodness, what a mouth is hidden in all that fluff! Thank you for starting my day!
I always notice pupil sizes in my owl shots too, Mikal. Sometimes varying pupil sizes can be pretty dramatic.
Love these photos…and descriptions of the farm and Montana..Does your family still own it? When my GH orphan (an idiot shot his mama) reached this age, we used to play “cat and mouse”. I’d drag something along the floor or the ground and he’d pounce on it, much like a kitten… and whinny triumphantly….my version of hunter training. The only was I could get him to release was to offer food. Ron, don’t feel bad. That baby owl may find you boring, but we think you’re talented and fascinating!
Patty – yes, my family (cousins) still own most of the farm, though some of it has been sold off.
The are fantastic shots of a wonderful little one! How I envy your ability to see them and have such wonderful memories. Thanks so much for sharing them!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
What a wonderful environment in which to have been raised! The series is delightful… and I’m so glad you dedicate yourself to documenting the remarkable wildlife you see! I now live in a natural setting on an old farm abutting a mountain in rural New Hampshire. Here I see the occasional bobcat and fox and regularly hear the coyotes. Turkeys are a constant presence, and I’ve had owls follow me at dusk as I walk down the dirt road, their young ones silhouetted on the branches alongside my path. I give thanks every day – and eagerly look forward to seeing your next blog entry!
It sounds like you enjoy your farm setting as much as I do “mine”, Alison.
A lovely set of images, Ron!
Thanks, Gail.