Click on the picture for a closer look.This is the subspecies of the Great Horned Owl, b.v.subarcticus. Accoring to Hap Huber it is "sometimes called the taiga race" Like other birds from the Canadian north such as Snowy & Great Grey owls, they occasionaly move south in search of food. Other "irruptive" species like pine siskins, redpolls and crossbills also drop by here in southern Minnesota from the north country.
The picture was sent to me by Alex Watson, a young DNR ranger/birder, whom I met at Forestville State Park, a few years ago. He was leading a birding outing for campers at the park then. Later, I had joined him on a "tree" hunt." A possible state record black ash tree had been reported and he was assigned to locate and verify it. Of course, we did some birding along the way! Alex has since moved on to Lake Carlos State Park, one of the many beautiful sites here in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes.
Beautiful shot, Ray. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! He just blends right in so well. Good catch!
ReplyDeleteLovely shot. It is hard to get close to them, and always like to see new visitors. I spent a few summers visiting great trees, monuments in their own.
ReplyDeleteThe owl looks a little sleepy. It does blend in very well. Thanks to your friend for providing such a wonderful pic.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering. Do nymphs require a signed waiver of liability for swapping out those morels?
Any time you come across an owl in the wilds, it's a wonderful experience. Here's a poem, pictures and story of my own experience as posted on my Blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://asiwastravelling.blogspot.com/2010/12/bronte-creek-park.html
Our little community is named "Owl Creek" but I have yet to see an owl! What a great photo you have shared. As a true Southerner, I have a pronounciation problem with the word "owl!" It comes out "Al!!!"
ReplyDeleteGreat shot. It must have been exciting to see him and capture his picture.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like the one that ate one of my chickens, only not that light.. LOL. Oh well, they have to eat too!!! Cool Pic though!
ReplyDeleteI love owls and Great Horned are my favorite. I have rarely seen one but we have them here and once in a while I can hear their mating call. I managed to hear some one night when with my granddaughters and they still talk about it!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the Kindle, Norm LOVES his ... he's reading more and working less, lately! I will write a post about them pretty soon. They are more awesome than I imagined! They suck you into the book and you just can't put it down!
I think seeing an owl in the wild would be an exhilarating experience.
ReplyDeleteI hear Owls some nights..but I never see them..they are usually nocturnal. That is an amazing photo..he or she blends right in.:)
ReplyDeleteWow, that sure is a lighter phase! Awesome capture of such an elusive bird.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I skied past a large owl but didn’t have my camera with me. They are such amazing creatures.
ReplyDeleteI think owls are my favorite bird ~ so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI have heard owls here on our farm, but have yet to see one. This fellow is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteHow cool! It's funny I noticed a lot of Pine Siskins here this year - not so in the past.
ReplyDeleteOwls, owls, owls!!! Hmmmm...something up? Predators always out on the make earlier than other species so their little broods can get a jump start on, well- their food source broods. Ever since the humiliating crash with the greenhouse, we haven't had any more problems and the chickens and guineas can rest easy until the bears and such come out of hibernation, ha. Hope all is well in Minnesota, met some interesting locals from your area on the train- really kind and quite fun loving...traveling afar, and especially away from the computer.
ReplyDeleteTake care-
like so many I only hear them in our woods in southern Michigan, but even their call is alluring! Thank you to you and your friend Andy for this wonderful photo.
ReplyDeleteThat owl is well camouflaged. A person would have to have a good eye to spot it.
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