As anyone who knows me can attest I become obsessed with learning all I can about a wildlife species with which I have a memorable encounter.
For most of the past month I have been hell-bent on getting the ‘perfect shot’ of a short-eared owl that I have been looking for on an almost daily basis. For now I have willingly neglected ‘my’ snowy owls.
It was just last winter that I first set eyes on a short-eared owls. With the low number of snowies in southern Ontario short-eared owls thrived – according to some of the experts I communicate with.
This winter I have been fortunate to have one of the short-eared owls fly close to my position a few times. Once it landed on a nearby hydro pole but the presence of a noisy crow discouraged it from hunting there. It flew away. Another time the owl hunted along a berm but the poor light left me disappointed with my images. Other times it was simply too far away.
Then came a period of about two weeks where I didn’t see the owls at all. Were they still around?
My attention turned to the northern harrier which used the same berms on a daily basis and I had all but given up on seeing the owls again. One evening as darkness descended – and my thoughts turned to what I might cook for dinner – I was surprised to see an owl come flying towards me. It landed on a hydro pole just thirty metres away.
It remained there until dark. I left with a renewed excitement of seeing one again and, again, put off my return to snowy owl country.
Two days later this ‘shortie’ passed very close to me along a berm then landed on a signpost. It had approached me from behind so I had no idea it was even there. No pictures, but plenty of useful intel on how this owl was operating.
Then came Friday.
As I arrived at my usual spot about twenty minutes earlier than usual I spotted one of the owls hunting along the berm. I grabbed my camera from the passenger seat in a now well practiced move, jumped out of my car with the engine still running, and took a few steps forward.
Twice the owl hovered, dove and then landed on the ground while I captured images. I couldn’t believe my luck.
At one point it disappeared over the berm and I could feel the excitement of knowing I had captured something of this species I had never before captured. Then suddenly it turned and came back flying over my head.
Eventually it went back along a berm and vanished. Since the light was still pretty good I remained and wondered if I would see the northern harriers come by. But the next bird that appeared was the short-eared owl. This time it landed on a hydro line before diving into the tall brush.
It was a fantastic experience and one that has only increased my wish to know more about them and their lifespan.
The short-eared owl is listed as a species of ‘special concern’ in Canada due to a dramatic decline in numbers. Indeed, I have met photographers and birders from across southern Ontario who have come looking for these birds. Indeed, just a glimpse of these predators is memorable.
I intend to make the most of my opportunities to observe and photograph them in coming weeks.
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Wonderful sighting, Paul, and an equally enjoyable post. Thanks.
Thanks again, Brad. It’s moments like these that make up for all the times we come home with nothing!
Amazing to see the diversity in animals and admire their differences .
We had a visitor, a large hawk, near where we have our septic tank, close to our home.
A large rabbit had taken refuge under a cedar, near the septic, during the winter. Kind of a plague up here the rabbit population.
The rabbit would travel along our patio door in full view of all to see. Kind of neat.
The hawk got hold of the rabbit. It was a cruel site to see the remnants.
All part of the cycle of nature.
A reminder that nature is not all cute and comfy.
Thanks for sharing your story, Dave. Yes, nature is both cruel and wonderful. I remember when my kids were young and we were kicking a soccer ball around at a nearby high school one day. A red-tailed hawk flew off the school roof and caught a rabbit. My daughter ran over to scare away the hawk. The rabbit was dead. I had to explain that the hawk might have young ones in a nest to feed. Complex but real!
The varied yet few colours remind me of a patch work quilt.
I hadn’t thought of that. They are certainly not colourful; and they blend into their dull surroundings quite nicely.
Remarkable bird. I can see why you are so happy with your encounter. You got some great shots!
Thanks for sharing your stories ,knowledge and wonderful images . Not the same as being there ,but enjoyable. I have only had two owl experiences in the wild and both at night so not that clear but very memorable!
Thanks Mariah! I am pleased to hear you enjoy my stories. I enjoy sharing my images and tales with folks as I know that I am fortunate to be able to make time to spend with particular species. Seeing these short-eared owls has been another chapter but I also love my snowy owls. More on that in coming days!