Friday, January 9, 2009

Great Horned Owl having dinner



Camera Critters

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WARNING: Potential gross out post!


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Yesterday I showed you the Bald Eagle and Hawk eating their dinner and today I'll show you the Great Horned Owl. Some of these aren't as sharp as I'd like but he was a more ferocious eater than the eagle was and keep in mind I was shooting a moving creature through a fence on a cloudy day.


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We have a Great Horned living in our neighborhood and he loves to screech in the evening but he has not yet cooperated for a photo. I wish there was a way to lure him in but instead I just keep waiting.


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Mice underfoot.


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He kept looking at the Eagle in the next cage, kind of taunting him, while the Eagle kept pacing the fence wanting to get through.


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Gulp!


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The tail is still there.


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After a big burp, he took his last mouse over within a foot of the Eagle to finish it off.


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Again I'm glad I'm not a mouse!

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23 comments:

  1. annJanuary 9, 2009 at 7:31 PM

    Yuk! Brilllllliant photographs.

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  2. JuneJanuary 9, 2009 at 10:07 PM

    Seems like it's unanimous, the tail is the last thing in. I guess that makes sense: gets the tastier stuff in first and gets any chance for escape out of the way. I'm imagining this process going on out in the wild...it's got to be tough to stay alive out there! By the way, this could easily be part of this week's Photo Hunt: the aftermath of the mouse :-)

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  3. TraceyJanuary 10, 2009 at 12:04 AM

    *burb* Great action photos! How lucky were you to see that up close? Great shots!

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  4. jillJanuary 10, 2009 at 12:44 AM

    love love love love! love the pictures. I called my husband over frantically and he just stared at me until I said, an owl having its dinner and he said 'ooh' and came trampling over to see. love the hawk and eagle too. he liked those more than the owl. we have a special affinity for hawks, so thanks. great to see.

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  5. daniJanuary 10, 2009 at 1:00 AM

    I know some people bring birds in close with an audio clip. Might be worth a try.

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  6. JientjeJanuary 10, 2009 at 1:09 AM

    It looks like he had quite an appetite! eww!

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  7. CarrieJanuary 10, 2009 at 2:05 AM

    I love the photos, but if you keep this up PETA for Mice is going to be knocking on your door asking to use your photos as their "poster child."

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  8. Sandcastle MommaJanuary 10, 2009 at 3:13 AM

    I KNEW owls would pose for you! LOL Those are great shots. We're still trying to spot the one around here - so far no luck.

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  9. IndraniJanuary 10, 2009 at 3:49 AM

    Each action in detail! terrific shots!
    Must be quite heart wrenching to see in real.

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  10. KaytabugJanuary 10, 2009 at 5:46 AM

    I'm glad those mice were already dead. He is one beautiful bird. I love owls. He is just stunning! I adore the photos of the tail sticking out, on the owl and the eagle!! I think that makes me a little sick and twisted.

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  11. Larry JordanJanuary 10, 2009 at 6:26 AM

    Awesome captures of all the birds of prey, but I must say my favorite is the Great Horned Owl. They are the most fierce hunters on the wing! Thanks for sharing.

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  12. Carrie KeiserJanuary 10, 2009 at 6:40 AM

    Interesting photos.... very detailed.

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  13. Terri - teelgeeJanuary 10, 2009 at 7:15 AM

    What a gorgeous bird and, as always, stunning photography. I'm glad you're not a mouse too, cuz we'd miss out on your photos!

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  14. ginaJanuary 10, 2009 at 12:25 PM

    while i feel sorry for the wee mice....i can't help but be fascinated by wildlife and nature...the good and the bad. great shots!

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  15. JennersJanuary 10, 2009 at 1:09 PM

    I love when his eyes are closed! And what intensity his gaze has when open!

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  16. SandyCarlsonJanuary 10, 2009 at 1:46 PM

    Does National Geographic know about you?

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  17. KilaJanuary 10, 2009 at 4:19 PM

    My middle son and his friend saw a "vulture" (hawk?) eating a rabbit today. They thought it was very cool.

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  18. DawnJanuary 10, 2009 at 4:27 PM

    They are great photos, but they are pretty gross. I am glad I am not a mouse either. I prefer the butterfly photos myself and the baby one.

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  19. LouiseJanuary 11, 2009 at 1:21 AM

    I watched a hawk eat either a finch or sparrow in our back yard. It was gruesome, but they have to eat. But I couldn't help imagine how horrible it would have been to be the tiny bird (or here, the mice). Wonderful photos!

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  20. happily retired galJanuary 12, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    Oh my ... the owl looks so fierce and like yesterday, I feel for the mice. That said ... you've outdone yourself again with a marvelous series of photos. My former students would LOVE these!
    Hugs and blessings,

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  21. JeannieJanuary 13, 2009 at 6:48 AM

    I'm always totally amazed at the things you capture in the wild!!! =) LOVE IT!

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  22. JuddieJanuary 15, 2009 at 8:19 AM

    Wow! He's SO beautiful! I've never seen a great horned owl before. Do you have a bird rehabilitation centre, do you breed them, or was this at a public facility?

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  23. JuddieJanuary 15, 2009 at 8:26 AM

    Oh! Silly me! I just realised you were at the zoo. Please ignore my previous question!

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