Congratulations to AGeoJO for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 3 votes - View Previous Winners
Burrowing owls are one of my favorite target birds. I consider myself fortunate that there is a site within 30 minutes away from where I live where they nest, and at times, even proliferate. Over several years of photographing them, I have noticed that they keep their eye on you quite a bit. Well, birds tend to do that but mostly while perching and less so while flying. Some tend to be oblivious, although we know that they are not but burrowing owls seem to do so more than anything else I have photographed. Maybe there are more vigilant, or maybe they are making sure you don't do anything stupid to harm them. Or is that more because of the camera gear in front of my face? Who knows!
Anyway, here is a set of images taken over a few years of these behaviors. I hope that you like them as I did photographing them. Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to leave any feedback.
Joshua - Fantastic set. Each one of these images have so much character. The eyes drawn you in. Burrowing owls are on my, wish I would see them some day list. Isn't it nice to have a go too place so close to home? Thanks for posting this set. Really, really enjoyable !
I think they are looking because the recognize you. Seriously! I don't doubt that some wild animals that occupy territories can recognize individual humans that are repeat visitors. And it makes for spectacular shots.
I'm a big fan of eye contact so I knew I'd like these. Excellent series !! Each one is special in it's own way but the colors in #3 really stand out for me. This is an easy vote !
Gary
aae991 wrote:
These are stunning Joshua. Those eyes!
Thank you very much, Stuart! Yes, those eyes are captivating alright...
G.E. Smith wrote:
Joshua - Fantastic set. Each one of these images have so much character. The eyes drawn you in. Burrowing owls are on my, wish I would see them some day list. Isn't it nice to have a go too place so close to home? Thanks for posting this set. Really, really enjoyable !
Greg
I really appreciated your kind words, Greg! Based on the fairly close location, I did spend a lot of time there in the last several years except for 2020 when the owl population was down for whatever reasons. Please, feel free to contact me if you are coming over here in the summer months.
Wow, Joshua, these are extraordinary. Those guys have been on my bucket list for years. I've never even seen one so far. Some day... In the mean time I'll just enjoy your photos. YGMV
kdacharya wrote:
classic Joshua shots, love the ones where the pupils are dilated. voted.
Thank you very much for your kind words and vote, KD!
surgemaster wrote:
Stunning set, Joshua. All about the eyes, especially with owls.
Rex
My appreciation for your kind comment, Rex!
dallvr wrote:
I think they are looking because the recognize you. Seriously! I don't doubt that some wild animals that occupy territories can recognize individual humans that are repeat visitors. And it makes for spectacular shots.
Shirley, I appreciate your kind words! Oh, yes, I believe that they recognize some photographers that frequent the site on a regular basis.
