The End is Near ?

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

As the days become longer the winter owls are now becoming more difficult to find. The time is now nearing the point that they will head back deeper into the forest to find a mate and nest site. March 15 is the general rule of thumb I use for locating the last of both Great Grays and Hawk Owls….some may have already moved on.

So it’s a day to day weather dependent scenario…meaning sunny days owling and crappy days back at the job jar. Hopefully with a little patience I’ll be able to find some rewards before the end of the season…time will tell ?

Hawk Owl on the Hunt

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Hawk Owl doing what Hawk Owls do when actively on the hunt. Amazing to witness just how they are able to do a mid-air stall…staying in one spot by doing some rapid flapping while focused on a possible meal in the snow below.
If prey has been detected they will simply drop like a stone to the ground below…something I find fascinating to watch if you happen across and active owl.

Change in Subject

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

With finally a sunny, calm day the job jar had been put on hold so it was off to bush country and owls. Slow disappointing start with no Great Grays but my luck would soon change.

Came across a Northern Hawk Owl…now I’m not a big fan of pole/wire perched owls but never pass up the chance. It soon became apparent that this owl which is much smaller than a Gray was active. They are also more challenging to photograph since they are smaller and very quick and fast with little to no indication when they may launch from a perch.

So it was a coat open, gloves off kind of day where I was able to spend time with this little speed demon.

It would have been more eye pleasing if this launch had been off a tree but you take whatever Mother Nature provides.