A pair of Great Horned Owls have returned to nest in a crack in an arroyo wall near my home. They have two chicks, who most likely will fledge in the next couple weeks. This is the female. Her previous mate was found dead two years ago (cause unknown - probably eating a rat poisoned by a home owner). She did not return to the nesting spot last year, but is now back, with a new younger mate.
I also found a dead chick at the base of the arroyo under the nest. I'm wondering if it fell out? Or do GHOs eat other owl's chicks?
Nikon D300 with 300vr 2.8 at 1/1250, f 5.6, iso 400.
Last edited by david cramer; 05-13-2008 at 04:13 PM.
Hi David,
Looks awfully bright out for this owl to be flying around. Would've been nice to have him looking at you but I guess he has to watch where he's going. I never did see any of these when I hiked the Sandias but it sure did look like prime habitat.
Steve
Sharp and a fairly good EXP but many problems: steep angle, awkward pose, and uneven lighting lead the league... Nice backyard bird!
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David, Great horned owls will eat just about anything, rats/mice/cats, birds, even porcupine and other owls and GHO's but that is rare since the mother's are very protective. Its more likely that it got thrown out of the nest by the mother. If the food source is limited and she can only feed one, the odd bird will be sacrificed for the stronger. I would love to be standing in your backyard this weekend. Artie does bring up some good points -my experience is to back up and crop later -its easier to capture them in flight.
Thanks for your comments and suggestions. The owls aren't in my backyard, but are nearby. I'm looking forward to the photographing the chicks when they leave the nest.
Great Horned Owl
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