Last year, one of my most exciting sightings was a Northern Saw Whet Owl. I had been eager to see a Saw Whet for a couple of years, ever since I first got serious about my owl obsession.
This year, my luck has continued. I managed to find a Northern Saw Whet Owl near the place where I had seen it last year. My best guess is that this is the same owl as last year and that it is either a Winter migrant, or it just likes this area in the winter. I've seen the owl a few times this year, although it is often not in the best position for good shots.
Recently, though, I was out looking for bobcats (a definite long shot in Tilden, but some days you do get lucky). After fruitless searching, I decided to take a quick look for the Saw Whet. To my surprise, I found the owl, and s/he had a mouse clutched to its perch. Unfortunately, I did not have my tripod; so I could not get a sharp shot.
After a few shots with way too-slow shutter speed, I raced back to get my tripod. When I returned, the owl had already consumed its mousy snack. But I managed to get a few nearly open shots of the owl.
I particularly like this one, the Small But Mighty Owl. Those talons look serious.
I hope to get lucky and visit with this owl again.
These are wonderful, Jen. I would freak out if I was lucky enough to see one of these.
ReplyDeleteTruly wonderful photos. I really enjoyed looking at your photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Jen. It was nice meeting you tonight. I just glanced through your pictures, but to see a bobcat is also amazing. I'll look and read more later, after looking at what I got tonight. Thanks for keeping me there long enough to see the mother come in.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the other Horned Owl family I saw did most of the feeding around 9-10am.