Sunday, December 26, 2010

Owl Attack

Friday afternoon I ran out to see if I could find some Long-eared owls at Market Lake.  I found some pellets, but no owls.  I was able to locate three Great-horned owls and enjoyed working them.  The male owl decided I had gotten close enough.  Here he gives me a warning by snapping his beak.

I back up a few paces continuing to take pictures - it was not enough.


Swooping down he almost gets my hat before he pulls up on his attack.  I gave him plenty of room the rest of the day.


Just another hair-raising experience in the Wilds of Idaho.

I hope all of you had a Merry and safe Christmas and are looking forward to the new year.

18 comments:

Gaelyn said...

You sure provoked an awesome capture. That owl looks like it would like to take you on.

eileeninmd said...

Wow, now that must have been a neat experience. Loved the photos!

Roberto Machado Alves said...

Must have been a very interesting and exciting adventure. I really liked the pictures. Congratulations. A happy new year to you.

D said...

Amazing! and you stood there and continued to shoot. I think I would have run. lol Simply terrific photos, Bill.

Happy New Year and thank you for the greetings.

Anonymous said...

Yikes!! Amazing Photos!! And a little scary!

I hope you and your family had a Wonderful Christmas celebration.

Happy New Year from (rainy) Southern California.

God Bless You, ~Ron :-)
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Susan Ellis said...

Amazing!!And happy that you avoided serious injury, as this guy looks like he's not all that friendly!Well done- A great "Boxing Day" shot~

Veronica Wald said...

Do be careful, those talons could place a nice rip in your forehead. You have real presence of mind to stand there and take those fascinating photos while the subject of an owl's ire - yikes!

Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wow! That gives new meaning to 'hair-raising'. Thanks for risking your hat and hair to get these amazing pictures. (Especially when the water is so hard and it is so cold in beautiful Idaho ;>))

Happy New Year!

biobabbler said...

I've always thought that my camera lens (from the other end) is like a giant, unblinking eye staring brazenly at whatever wildlife I'm taking pictures of. =) Maybe that owl agrees. A-MA-zing pictures!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You were very cool under pressure. That owl had you locked in. Great photos.

desertsandbeyond said...

Oh, he's beautiful! We occasionally have an owl stop and visit our cottonwood tree.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Oh My... hat raising, hair raising and all such fun, even though a wee bit close, I should most agree with the owl on that note. Are they mating out your way yet? I saw a post from someone in NY, that they are in mating season up there already.

NatureFootstep said...

lol, such an adventure! But I guess it was worth it, you got some great shots, and kept your hat. :)

troutbirder said...

Oh my I've never seen a GHO do that. Wow!

DaveABirding said...

Great shot! I had a recovery GHO mistake my back for a perch once, and can say I am glad it wasn't my head. Good thing that one decided to pull up after "posing" for you.

Shirleyanne said...

What an encounter Bill!
But such a beautiful bird.
Hope you had a lovely Xmas & wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Janie said...

Wow, that's impressive, both the photo captures and the aggressive bird!

Angie Moore said...

Fabulous images!