I received a message from a Facebook fan about a great horned owl that was hanging out not far from where I live. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to go have a peek.

I found the one she mentioned pretty easily but figured there was probably another nearby and perhaps a nest as well. I never did find a nest but I did find another owl in a tree stand about 30 yards from the first.

The first owl couldn’t hardly keep its eyes open and largely ignored me. The second though was very alert although I suspect that was more due to a nearby squirrel than it was for me.

I truly appreciated getting the word about these fantastic creatures and the tipster earned herself a free print from me. If someone gives me information that leads to pics, I always figure that is the least I can do. So, now you know how to get one of my pics for free! What do you got for me? 😉

The final stop on my photo outing this past Sunday was to check on a pair of great horned owls in a suburban park.

On this day, they had opted for a different tree than the previous one I had seen them in but it actually provided better viewing. Well, about as good of viewing as you could hope for with these notoriously shy creatures.

This one was the most easily spotted, something which it didn’t seem to particularly appreciate. It was a bit surprised to find someone watching it but once it ascertained I wasn’t a threat, settled down and went back to sleep.

As you’re looking at this pic, check out the owl’s talons. Quite impressive and certain to do some damage.

To understand that title, you might have to view this image full screen. Look at all those nails sticking out of the roof!

Certainly you would not think this is a particularly comfortable spot but the owl didn’t seem to mind one bit. In fact, it never once opened its eyes or even turned its head while I was watching it.

It is kind of exciting to think this owl, and hopefully a mate, will opt to setup a home in this little shed on the Colorado plains. It has some nice viewing and, if little ones come along, would make for some cool captures.

A friend tipped me off that a pair of great horned owls had returned to an area where they had historically hung out.

As you can see from the first picture, they had themselves very well concealed when viewed from the main trail. It was only be relocating myself and adjusting my angle was I able to get even a half-way clear shot of them. If I didn’t know where to look, it is highly unlikely I would have spotted the pair otherwise.

These two should be establishing a home soon in anticipation of mating season. I will be curious to see where they end up as the nest they had occupied historically was taken over by red tail hawks last year.

 

The weather this past Sunday was not particularly hospitable with temperatures below freezing and steady snow. Most animals had opted to lie low and stay sheltered.

This Great Horned Owl wisely chose to do just that, staying as sheltered as possible in a tree that had a few remaining leaves.There were enough leaves missing through that my friend Bill easily spotted it and let me know about the find.

Needless to say, the owl was in no rush to leave its perch, rightly opting to sit tight in the cold weather. When I got home I realized that the poor thing had ice and snow caked onto its face, an indication of just how inhospitable the conditions were.

I have seen this pair of owls many times in recent years. They have a nice little hiding spot northwest of Denver International Airport, far enough off the road that unless you already knew about them, you would never see them. I’ve tried to get pics of them before but never had any luck as they depart long before you get close enough to get a picture. This Sunday was different.

I was on a photo drive with my sister and a friend was in the area and pointed out that the owls were in their usual spot. We decided to give it a shot and this time the pair cooperated. While they were well-buried and hidden, I managed a couple of tolerable captures. 

Beware… You never know what is lurking in those shadows tonight. 😀

A quick, fun edit of a pic I shared before, albeit in full color. I said at the time that this little Great Horned Owl owlet looked a tad evil as it peered out from its nest in a tree cavity. Happy Halloween!