Wildlife, landscape and weather photography
A bit of a TBT to July 4th. Burrowing Owls come to the Colorado plains during the summer and are tons of fun to watch and photograph. Almost without fail, after emerging from their burrows, they stretch in every conceivable direction, clearly needing to limber up after being cooped up underground. This was the first of five juveniles to emerge from this burrow on this morning, striking a pose as it did. To the right you can see the head of one of its siblings as it climbed out as well.
This pair of Burrowing Owls? was clearly taking advantage of a warm spring day by partaking in some ‘recreation.’ I did find it amusing that the male appears to be kissing the female but she has a wholly disinterested look. Perhaps thinking, “Are you done yet?” 😉 The pair was successful in hatching a brood of five and they have all since headed south for warmer environs during the winter.
I was pleasantly surprised to see a few of my little friends still hanging around today. This was my first time checking since early last month. This particular Burrowing ?Owl? was happily perched on the fence and let me snap plenty of pictures of it. Taken north of Denver International Airport, Colorado.
Burrowing Owls are tremendous fun to observe and make great photo subjects. Their diminutive size makes them awfully cute and those bright yellow eyes really get your attention.
This female was perched on a mullein plant north of Denver International Airport and while I thought I was the one doing the watching, it is clear that she was playing the role of a keen observer of me as well.
“I want my mama!” While this Burrowing Owl owlet is actually just yawning, I can’t help but imagine its look in this picture as a cry for mom to bring it breakfast. Notice to the right one of its siblings is keeping close watch on the photographer while trying to stay camouflaged.
I’m not entirely sure why folks have a hard time finding Burrowing Owls. 😉 Here, a pair of owlets does a pretty darned good job of staying out of sight of the shutterbug. Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
😉 This Burrowing Owl owlet north of Denver International Airport was quite the character. While its siblings pretty much ignored me, it was very interested in the guy with the camera. Feel free to share and bring a smile to someone else’s face. Have a great weekend!
I have struggled to get decent images of these fast-moving, erratic fliers but last week at least had some luck. Not as close as I would like and the houses in the background are distracting but I am pretty pleased with the images. These little guys are so much fun to watch – just can’t get enough of them!
I haven’t had the opportunity to visit my little friends in a couple of weeks and since then there have been big changes. Last time I saw them, the Burrowing Owl owlets were still hiding underground.
Today they were out and about and entertaining as always. Unfortunately it was mid-afternoon so the lighting wasn’t particularly good but it was fun to watch them. Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
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This male Burrowing Owl is returning to its burrow with a mouse or vole firmly in its grasp. I have struggled to get good flight shots of these fast, erratic fliers. This is one of the few decent ones I have gotten. It was quite a ways off so not as zoomed in as I would like. Someday I will get the flight series I long for! 😉 Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
