Burrowing Owls

I visited a burrowing owl nest at Rocky Mountain Arseanl NWR this morning. This is the only nest out of 54 where the chicks haven't fledged yet. The idea was to make a backlit image and have them pose against the sunrise; but the mom kept chattering away and they didn't emerge until about 7. I'm still happy with the effect of backlighting which shows their downy-ness.

These birds will be running, then flying soon in preparation for their return to Mexico or Texas for the winter.

Dave Showalter

I can Dig it! Really a great opportunity captured!

Now that's a Hoot!

(sorry had to do it!)

Very neat photo. I've always watched for burrowing owls in the Pawnee Grasslands at a few places where are are reputed to hang out, but have never seen one. Your photo reminds me that nature could very well have a sense of humor.

That's a nice image - I love their expressions. How about posting the one that was in Outdoor Photographer?

Cool Dave! The back lit is perfect!

So they start be running? Had never heard that! Would love to see that happening!

Nicely done! I was down at Two Buttes a couple of weekends ago, and the areas above the canyon are crawling with Burrowing Owls. They are so skittish, though, that without a well established blind, there really is no way of getting close.

BTW, did you see my post on your "Greetings from a Newbie CNP'er" thread?

"Dave,
I haven't been on RMNP very long, and as I was reading through some threads, and saw your name. I had contacted you a little over a year ago, but was unable to meet up with you due to, well, life I guess. I sent you an email, trying to touch base again, but hadn't heard anything back, so when I found you were on RMNP, I thought I would try again. I'm not stalking you , I would just love to have a chance to do the Arsenal shoot we had originally discussed! "

Dave - pretty cool - I'm not used to seeing backlit owls - definitely shows there down. Is the fedgig early this year? I was thinking that they would have just started.

Thanks for sharing,

Scott

Very cool! I really like the backlit image.

I love the expressions on the two on the right!

Do you ever use fill flash?
I much prefer natural light, but I've got to learn how to use fill for situations like this.

Thanks everyone - Yes, they are fledging/have fledged. That means they'll use satellite burrows until September, when they fly south. The chicks don't fly too far right now and are building wing strength. Instead of seeing all of the chicks standing on the natal burrow, you'll see one or two per mound all over a prairie dog town.

David, I thought that I responded to you and apologize. I don't have a good way to take other photographers out to shoot B Owls. That may change, but it would require a larger blind than my small hunting blind. NANPA and the RMA Wildlife Society are working on construction of a new blind, designed for photographers that may give us some options. Currently all photo shoots are coordinated through the Wildlife Society. The best shoot is the Bucks in Rut, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We get very close to massive bucks on this tour. Once the new blind is up, we can think about B' Owls for next year. Some people have had success along the old Buckley road using a bicyle. (closed to cars)

Bill, I occasionally use fill flash for wildlife, but not owls. Their eyes are so big that the red-eye is horrendous! I thought of trying it in this situation, but I couldn't figure out where to put the flash outside of the blind, how to fire it without sending them back into the burrow, etc. I probably just need to lighten the image a bit because all of the detail is there.

Dave Showalter

No worries, Dave, I didn't think you were ignoring me! I understand about the blind. Hopefully they do get the new blind built, because I have always wanted to shoot Burrowing Owls. My problem with the Arsenal are the hours that they are open to the public. It's something like 10 to 4, which puts you right in the worst light to shoot.

Actually, the Arsenal is open from 8-5 fall-spring and 6 am in the summer. There are photogs coming out and doing very well. This will all change when the cleanup is complete, new VC opens and more land is turned over to the USFWS.

Dave Showalter

Did the hours change? Am I just an idiot?

It's been awhile since I've been out there, but I seem to remember really short hours. 6am works! Too late for sunrise, but still great light for shooting birds.