Chickadee Photo Art

Great Horned Owl II

// May 6th, 2010 // Birds of Manitoba, Birds of Prey, Boreal Forest, Whiteshell Provincial Park

I actually walked by this owl as it sat motionless on the ground and so beautifully blended into the still brown spring grasses.  It was not injured and moved into this mantling position.  I have heard they sometimes nest on the ground – perhaps this owl was doing just that.  The next photo is the same owl sitting straight up – the position it was in when I went by it.

The following photo of a Great Horned Owl in flight.  What struck me was the size of its feet and the light colouring looking at it from below.  This owl had three owlets, one was found dead by city workers, one remained in a tree and one was thriving on the ground.  I was told this owl “thumped” a person from behind when they tried to put the owlet from the ground back up in a nearby tree. Apparently they had been advised to do so by someone at the wildlife rescue shelter.  I was also told the person had claw marks on their back and the owls talons had gone right through his clothing. Even though her owlet was on the ground she was still certainly watching over it.

Next, two owlets showing different stages of plumage.

Enjoy!

~Sharon