A close encounter of the owl kind
Almost two months ago, I came across a great gray owl that was surveying a bog from the top of a weathered fence post. I watched him for a few minutes as he looked around. Then the big, yellow eyes watched me for a few seconds before the wings stretched out and he flew up the hill towards me. These owls move quickly when they choose to so I was reacting not thinking when he took to the air. I was happy to have a few shots of that approach.
I thought he would fly by, but another post a couple of meters away from me was his destination. He looked around for half a minute, then stared at me while launching into the air again. This time he passed close by, crossed the path and then flew to a broken tree branch in the forest.
It was early evening and seemed to be supper time as he dove into the tall grass a couple of minutes later. That yielded a vole or some kind of field mouse. I couldn’t tell as he swallowed it while on the ground and mostly out of sight.
Reappearing after a short while, he ascended to another branch briefly and then flew deeper into the forest.
Christopher Martin Photography 
Hi nice reading your bloog
December 14, 2022 at 3:08 pm
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Did you feel you were being chased away?
July 25, 2018 at 11:29 am
Hi Steve! Thanks for visiting my site and for your question. No. I did not feel that way. I think he was curious about me – for a minute – and then continued his normal behaviour and activity.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Chris
July 25, 2018 at 3:39 pm
Fabulous images of a wonderful encounter!
July 25, 2018 at 11:20 am
Thank you so much Ellen!
July 25, 2018 at 3:40 pm
Amazing. I so want to photograph owls. Do you do any photo trips?
July 25, 2018 at 5:41 am
You’ve captured some amazing shots. Wonderful!
July 25, 2018 at 4:48 am
Thank you for visiting Miriam. I’m happy you enjoyed these.
July 25, 2018 at 3:43 pm
I especially like the last photo. It’s a reminder that obscuring and out-of-focus foliage can be a plus in nature photography. Here, I think it adds to the total effect. He certainly is a big bird!
July 25, 2018 at 4:42 am
oh, wow – these are such amazing shots
July 25, 2018 at 4:37 am
Thank you for continuing to visit. I’m glad you enjoyed these ones!
July 25, 2018 at 3:44 pm