At RMA last night: I was trying to make an image of this male burrowing owl, hunting from a fence post that borders the bison pasture. He flew from one post to another; and while I was setting up for another attempt to shoot from my vehicle, a coyote happened by. The coyote got too close to the natal burrow and this little owl dive-bombed the coyote and nailed him in the head! I have seen them do that with prairie dogs, but this guy is a badass B' owl!
So, I made my portrait and got out of there before he attacked me. I saw one brood of B' owl young, and expect they will be out in abundance in the next week.
If you're planning to visit RMA, the deer are in velvet and look great. I saw many mule deer in shooting range along the entrance road (to the VC). The prickly poppy and prickly pear cactus blooms are excellent right now, too.
Posted by John De Bord on June 17, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Dave, how handicapped accessible is RMA? I have a fellow photographer who wants to go there with me, but is wheelchair bound and asked me if you can travel around RMA via auto....never been there, though living just across the street, I told him I would ask you.
Thanks
John
Posted by Jeremy Week on June 17, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Wow, great capture and story to go with it! He does have that badass look with the glare he is giving you.
The driving accessibility is limited to the road to and from the VC. Once you get to RMA, there is a wheelchair path to Lake Mary that leads to a couple of fishing docks over the lake. I believe the tours also accommodate wheelchairs to take handicapped people in the field. I'd suggest calling USFWS at 303-289-0232 to ask specific questions about access for handicapped folks. They'll hook you up. Good luck!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on June 17, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Cool capture and a nice story. Thanks for the info on conditions.
Mel-
Posted by Jack Brauer on June 17, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Nice shot and story. This owl looks skeptical of something.
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Discussion
15 repliesSo, I made my portrait and got out of there before he attacked me. I saw one brood of B' owl young, and expect they will be out in abundance in the next week.
If you're planning to visit RMA, the deer are in velvet and look great. I saw many mule deer in shooting range along the entrance road (to the VC). The prickly poppy and prickly pear cactus blooms are excellent right now, too.
Thanks
John
The driving accessibility is limited to the road to and from the VC. Once you get to RMA, there is a wheelchair path to Lake Mary that leads to a couple of fishing docks over the lake. I believe the tours also accommodate wheelchairs to take handicapped people in the field. I'd suggest calling USFWS at 303-289-0232 to ask specific questions about access for handicapped folks. They'll hook you up. Good luck!
Mel-
Oh man, is that great.
Love the shot, the story is even better.
Harold