pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

There is a known pair of great horned owls in a park in Clearwater, FL. The local photography club had an organized shoot this morning with among other things hoping to see the female and the hatched owlets in the nest. This pair has been nesting in the same spot for years. The male owl stands guard in one of a couple of trees adjacent to the tree that contains the nest. Once the owlets are hatched, the female stays in the nest 24/7 (as she is currently doing) and food is brought to the nest by the male. Should any creatures get close to the nest, the male owl springs into very aggressive action to protect his mate and the owlets.

We had great hopes of seeing two things: 1) The male in action either bringing food or protecting the nest, and 2) A glimpse of the owlets. Unfortunately, this is the way it played out:

The male stood guard on a very high branch of an adjacent tree which had very poor lighting and required as much telephoto lens as you packed and then cropping on top of that. He virtually did not move the whole 2 hours I was in the area with one exception. In the second shot, he partially opened one of his eyes. Typically, he just stood there with his eyes closed.

The female was even more of a challenge. The nest is tucked down in a crevice between two branches and being rather high up, it was almost impossible to see the female with one's bare eyes. My 400mm telephoto lens finally barely revealed her in that she blended with the bark of the tree. She, like the male did not move at all and simply had one eye partially open. The owlets were not to be seen.

The pictures are rather disappointing, but I find the story of these owls to be rather fascinating. Photography can be such a struggle! :)

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

Too bad they are such indifferent models. Beautiful big owls!

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Yup, I think the poor old man had been hunting for the family all night and just could not keep his eyes open!

davids999 Loc: Edinburgh, UK

Nice shots just the same and great narrative. Owls certainly present a challenge. :thumbup: :thumbup:

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

These were a definite challenge, but well worth it even with the resultant mediocre at best shots.

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

He was blinking in Morse code, "Please go away and let us get some well-deserved sleep."

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Hmmm. I should have gotten that as a ham radio operator who has known Morse code since the early 50s!! :)

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

:P :P

erbiv Loc: Ellijay, GA ...retired from Anchorage, AK

All things considered Pedalmasher, nice shots! At least you came home knowing they were doing well.

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks. Yup, that pair (so I am told by the locals) have been going strong for years!

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

Wow, how lucky for you.I would be so excited to get any shots of an owl,well done!
:thumbup:

jwt Loc: Texas Hill Country

I like them pedalmasher, any time you can get photos of owls in the daytime is a reason for celebration. Good job all around. :thumbup:

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks Marilyn - they can sure be difficult to locate!

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks jet - these guys were sure not very active, but then again the old man probably had a lot of hunting to do the previous night to feed the old lady and the kids! :)