Owl By Myself

This Barred Owl adult was one of the parents to the little fledgling in another of my photos. As I hiked along the trail, the adult was standing guard over the nest, protecting its two young from another bird of prey that was hanging around. The owl chased it away, twice, while I was there. I stayed back, so as not to become a distraction, while it chased off the other bird. When it was done, I was able to snap a couple quick shots as stared after the culprit. It then swivelled its head toward me. I captured two more photos, said my goodbyes, and moved along the trail.

Owl See You Later

On a hike through a local wetlands, this little Barred Owl fledgling became quite curious about me and my camera. When I first noticed it pop its head out of the nest, I intended to simply snap a couple of photos, then move along, so as not to disturb it too much. As I headed down the path to leave, this little one watched me the entire time. I turned one last time, snapped this photo, and told it to go back to bed before it fell out. I continued on my way, but looked back one more time to find it still watching me walk away. It was a moment in time I’ll never forget.

Sleep Owl

I spotted this little Red Morph Screech Owl hunkered down in the hollow of a tree, about 20 feet up from the path I was walking on. This beautiful little bird was my first capture of an owl in the wild, which has led to a love of photographing birds of all kinds. It’s also become one of the favorite photos of many of my family and friends for its beauty and simplicity... and, for the fact that it’s absolutely adorable. Eastern Screech Owl resting in the tree, Heckrodt Wetlands Reserve, Menasha, WI, USA

Barred Owl

Blue Grace

I have become obsessed with these incredible creatures. To me, the Great Blue Heron is amazing to watch for it’s beauty, strength and grace. And, to know I can find them just minutes from my home is wonderful. I captured this one as it hunted along the shore in a nearby park. It made its way back and forth along the shore for twenty minutes, or so, before I had to leave. The gracefulness of its movements as it wandered up and down in search of its next meal was beautiful to watch. I could have stayed there all day.