I started off checking on the Barred Owl nest. As far as I can tell still no babies although should be very soon. I got there early enough that the male and female were both active and out of the nest. They perched together, took a bath in the stream, groomed each other before returning to their normal posts. My other set of Great Horned Owls had one still in the box and one has fledged and was at the very top of the pine tree. Made a quick but very productive stop at one of my favorite spots on the way home. Found a juvenile Bald Eagle flying around with a piece of plastic. He interacted with the Harrier Hawk a bit. I also caught a pair of Monarch butterflies flitting around. As I almost made it back to my car, a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk flew up with something in his talons (Looking at pics later I figured out he caught a small turtle).
Barred Owl Pair silhouetted around sunrise
Different settings so you can see the detail in the birds.
Barred Owl on a new perch
Barred Owl sitting by the water with reflection.
Spin dry
Soggy Barred Owl
Barred Owl Pair
Barred Owl Pair grooming each other
Barred Owl Pair grooming each other
Back in the water again.
Heading back into the nest.
Northern Cardinal again. I’ve photographed more of these in the last 2-3 weeks than the last couple years.
Baby Great Horned Owl (about a month old) has now fledged (left the nest). Once they leave they usually do not go back in it. The parents will still feed them for awhile until they get big enough to hunt on their own.
Red-winged Blackbird singing
Juvenile Bald Eagle with his plastic bag.
Juvenile Bald Eagle and Male Northern Harrier Hawk AKA Gray Ghost.
Juvenile Bald Eagle with his plastic bag.
Monarch floating over the flower
Monarch pair
Juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk caught a small turtle.
Juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk caught a small turtle.
I loved the owl baths. Also the sundry!!! Great pics as usual!
Outstanding pictures I don’t know how you do it.
I love the two owls, especially where one seems to be leaning against the other owl. I also like the tro owls grooming one another. These are really amazing photos. Thanks so much.
The entire montage is just fabulous! The owls are especially beautiful and the pics so remarkably clear! I’d like to send them to Carrie and Jon. How can I do that?
Gorgeous pictures, Matt!! So much detail. Thanks for sharing! We have a bald eagle in my neighborhood – I can’t believe how big they are. I love the owls too.
Carrie