Owls of Alberta – a photo essay

The 'death stare'

The Great Gray Owl ‘death stare’

I was in two minds as to what subject I should post this month, but owls always seem to be popular so I’ll go with that. I also thought I’d focus on some of the less common species, at least in Alberta, that I’ve seen this year: the Great Gray, the Short-eared and the Northern Pygmy Owl.Short-eared Owl - portrait Northern Pygmy Owl

In my experience, owls’ behaviour varies between species and again between individual owls. Some will take flight as soon as they see you, while others seem to completely ignore you – you never know what type of owl you will come across!  Great Gray Owl Great Gray Owl Great Gray Owl

At the end of the day, I’m grateful just to see one & absolutely rapt if I get to photograph one. This last comment is particularly true of the Short-eared owl where I made no less than 6 long trips earlier this year & only on the final trip did I finally see one – a great feeling.Short-eared Owl Short-eared Owl

I hope you enjoy these shots as much as I enjoyed taking them. Cheers, Tim.Northern Pygmy Owl

NPO - what are you looking at?

NPO – what are you looking at?

 

One Comment

  1. These are spectacular photos! I would love to observe these species some day…

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