Friday, January 31, 2025

The Great Gray Owl

The Great Gray Owl has long been on my bucket list to photograph. Yes, I had a couple of decent images, but I was not totally happy with them.

Since the Great Gray Owl is the provincial bird of Manitoba, it is somewhat special.

I have put on many miles looking for this elusive bird, but always came back without any photos. 

On Monday,January 27,2025, a friend and I set out once again in search of this bird.

It seemed as though the search would end like so many others have, but on a final drive down this certain stretch of road, there it was. I was thrilled to see it out in the open like this. 


After it gave us great opportunities for pictures it took off. Now, at just that moment I was looking elsewhere and missed those images. What I did get was a special memory. This beautiful bird flew right over my head,it felt very close but was likely higher than I thought. What impressed me was that even at this close range the flight was perfectly silent


I turned around and was able to get a few flight shots as it flew away from me.


Here it is approaching a tree stump on which to land.


And there it sat in all it's beauty just looking around.My camera and my friends were clicking away getting picture after picture.


After many images were captured we walked away, leaving the owl sitting there and watching us.
My heart was overflowing with joy.
All I could think was, To God be the Glory!


6 comments:

  1. Those are amazing photos! Yes, he was performing just for you! There's just something special about owls...I've had some special experiences with Barred Owls, and I know exactly how you were feeling! It really does seem like a special gift from God to be able to get that close and have that interaction! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I totally understand your joy.

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  2. Congratulations....such perseverance and what a beautiful reward!! Wonderful shots but I'm sure it was even a more wonderful experience in person!

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  3. Oh my Ruth....what a very special moment for you. The owl is beautiful in itself, but to see it fly down and spread it's wings, sure makes for the BEST photos. I am so glad you had this opportunity...I appreciate you sharing the wildlife with us. Things that we do not see around here.

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  4. What a special happening for you after so many times of not finding that glorious owl. I love how he is looking at you and seems to be saying.."There, now are you happy? At our previous home there use to be owls in the trees behind our home. We could rarely see them but that melancholy call could be heard many nights. It is a sound I will always remember.
    Sue

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  5. Wow these photos of the owl are fantastic. Glad you finally got to capture them.

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  6. What an incredible experience to capture the Great Gray Owl in all its glory! The patience and dedication you’ve shown in searching for this bird really paid off. It’s amazing how something so majestic and silent can leave such a lasting impression, especially with such a close encounter. I can feel your joy in these words, and it’s beautiful to hear you attribute it all to God. Thanks for sharing this remarkable moment with us.

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