Capturing the image of the Great Horned Owl in a willow tree was an incredible experience. As a wildlife photographer, I always try to capture the beauty and majesty of these creatures. The Great Horned Owl is one such bird that commands attention and admiration.
The Great Horned Owl is a large bird with distinctive ear tufts on its head. These tufts are not actually ears but are feathers that provide camouflage and help the owl to blend into its surroundings. This bird is found throughout North and South America and is one of the most widespread owl species in the world.
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma is an ideal location for bird photography, and the Great Horned Owl was no exception. This particular owl was perched in a willow tree near the road that leads to the Moody Boat Ramp and Trotter’s Pond. The Great Horned Owl is known to perch on high branches, and this made it difficult for me to capture a good photograph.
To get the shot, I had to be patient and wait for the right moment. I had my camera set up on a bean bag, which I placed over the open window of my pickup. This gave me a steady base to shoot from and allowed me to make any necessary adjustments quickly. After waiting for a few minutes, the Great Horned Owl turned its head towards me, and I knew it was the perfect moment to get the picture.
In addition to its distinctive appearance, the Great Horned Owl has many unique characteristics. It is a powerful predator, and its diet consists of small mammals such as rabbits, rodents, and even other birds. Its powerful talons and sharp beak make it an efficient hunter, and it is known to strike its prey with great force.
Overall, photographing the Great Horned Owl in a willow tree was an unforgettable experience. It is a magnificent bird that deserves our admiration and respect. With its keen eyesight and impressive hunting abilities, the Great Horned Owl is truly a sight to behold.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon EF 800 mm f/11
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: July 20, 2021 (7:42 A.M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
- Shutter speed: 1/640
- ISO: 6400 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 800 mm