it's a great grey owl
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and based on everything i've heard and everything i've read this past week, this will be the only great grey owl i'll ever see in my lifetime. well, unless i decide to take up bird watching in canada and i don't see that happening anytime soon.
the news thursday night alerted everyone in the surrounding area that this beautiful creature was "staying" in a tree right down the road from us. so friday morning, i grabbed my camera, my hubby a latte from starbucks and off we went. we weren't really sure exactly where we were going, since umm, birds fly, but quickly we saw "the crowd" and knew he was still downtown. he was in a different tree from the day before, but with a full tummy, he had a new spot to spend the day sleeping. well, i'm not sure exactly how much sleep he got considering all the noise from the crazy people with cameras, kids and dogs and the post office trucks that were right below him, but he was content.
we had a nice chat with ryan {hands in his pockets} and he's got some great photos on his blog along with the story behind why this owl was in "my backyard." i love meeting other photographers. there's just something about us...our cameras, our lens questions, our understanding of how crazy we are sometimes doing what we we're doing...that just makes having a passion for photography feel good.
i'm so blessed to have a hubby who didn't bulk when i said {with a little laughter in my voice} "let's go back and see if he's still there" a few hours after we'd gotten home from downtown. well, he might of cleared his throat, adjusted the waist band on his jeans, cracked his neck side to side and pushed his shoulders back before he said, "okay, let's go."
then he smiled while kissing me gently, as i reached for my camera bag and out the door we flew. the owl was still there, in the exact same place, without even the tiniest movement on the branch. unfortunately the wind had moved and was now just cold enough to send us quickly back to the car and off to do some shopping.
I would so love to see one some day. Wonderful images, Beth, and what a thrill to see one in your town!
ReplyDeleteKate
How cool for you!! They are such interesting looking birds. I wonder how long he'll stick around your area. You deserved a bit of fun because may I say, it looks really cold there :-(
ReplyDeleteWell how exciting was this...wow, you are right, you will probably never see this beauty ever again according to Ryan's blog (I followed your link). Great shots, not only of the great grey, but all the bystanders as well. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteYour husband does sound like a sweetie to run out with you. The owl is gorgeous. I'll click on Ryan's blog soon to find out more. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting! Even that dog has a grin on his face. LOL
ReplyDeleteI heard about this on the news. So exciting to know you live close by and could be there to capture this beautiful owl! Excellent photos Beth. What a treat to photograph the Great Grey owl. Thank you for sharing your photos with all of us.
ReplyDeleteWow wow wow! You know how much I am impressed right now since I've been chasing a barred owl for over a week. These are stupendous shots. That it is a rare bird for your area, makes me even more awed. Lucky you!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird, and beautiful photos .... but mostly I am delighted by the human response to this one owl :-) It warms my heart.
ReplyDeleteCome on Beth, what's wrong with taking bird watching in Canada? I'd love to see you closer...we would visit, have a tea or a coffee...which ever you like...
ReplyDeleteJoking aside great shots, of this handsome feathered fellow thank you so much for sharing. Hoping you had an awesome Easter Sunday xo
We often hear owls in the trees in our own yard. This time of year they are mating and they call to each other in a mysterious, rhythmic kind of way. They are lovely creatures.
ReplyDeleteI too was touched to hear of people's reaction to the sighting..I also instantly worried about some nutball doing something crazy.. I hate that I now think that way...lessens the joy
ReplyDeleteAmazing!!! I was wondering at first glance how the heck you got those shots.. but he made it easy for all of you, that really surprises me. Nice capture, I love owls.
ReplyDeleteOwls are soooo cool! What a wonderful opportunity and how very cool that so many nature lovers converged for this possibly once in a lifetime experience. Ryan's blog is sweet!
ReplyDeleteI love how everyone was out there photoshooting! Great pix of that and big bird, too! He seems to know how to pose! What fun to have that communal experience!
ReplyDeleteWow! I read in the news about this owl sighting! How cool for you to participate. And I like the pictures of both the owl and the admirers;)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Enjoyed Ryan's blog also. This "grey" owl is just beautiful! What a treat to see and to see the excitement of those that came to visit him too.
ReplyDeleteWOW...that is totally awesome!! A stranger in town!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh.. How cool. Your photos turned out amazing. Thanks for sharing them with us..
ReplyDeleteI am always surprised by your shots Beth...how amazing and full of soul they are.
ReplyDeleteOh my, these are just fabulous. What a gift.
ReplyDeleteThat was very cool and you got some great shots!
ReplyDeletei know i am old when i look at a photo like this and remember Eddie Adams and her spokespersonship of Muriel Cigars .. they featured an owl just like that
ReplyDeleteSo incredibly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBecause we see them so rarely, it's almost like seeing someone famous, isn't it?
I clicked on your blog, saw this owl and my heart literally skipped a beat. It's a long story, but over the last year I've had some strange, unexplainable and vivid owl dreams. (The same dream twice...)
ReplyDeleteWow. That's all I can say right now.
Wasn't that owl amazing? Love the closeup of the claw! I saw him/her across from Capitol Brewery, but I don't have the equipment to take good photos. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHey Beth,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking to my blog!
Great post! So great to meet you.
Thanks again,
Ryan