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!