Had a visitor today...

[jeeperman]

Thank you Pat, Ken, Tommy, Wayne, Donald and Mike! I appreciate all the comments. I am glad he has been so well recieved as I too like this image.

[jeeperman]

Bobo, I am not sure where he might be nesting but he seems to like to hunt this area. I am pretty sure I did not threaten him. He was still there when I walked away. The trees in the back given him good cover from the crows and being I have wetlands running through the back few acres, I am sure there is plenty prey items. We'll see.

[The Blue Boy]

Superb shot. And what a treat having a visitor like that!

[Arlen]

Paul, are you a surgeon in real life? If not, you missed your calling. Steady hands for sure, tree-braced or not. Well done.

I passed through Seattle last week. Maybe next time I'm there, I should look for owls.

[Loose Canon]

The way I understand it these birds are very territorial.

They make their call. If they hear another owl calling they are compelled to come investigate the supposed intruder.

A good friend of mine and one of the best human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing could exactly reproduce this owl’s call with his own voice.

I have spent many a night camped out with this guy while we sat under a tree while he “called ‘em in”!

I have seen him call in as many as four or five of these beautiful birds and man what a ruckus they caused in the top of the tree we were sitting under!

It takes a lot of time and you have to be still. Though you can't see them they can see you in the dark. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed.

You shot is excellent, Paul and what is more is it reminds me of my old friend. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us except in Spirit.

Thank you Paul. For the great shot and the reminder.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Paul,

Add me to the 'jealous' and 'awed' lists please

Well done,

[gilliebg]

A great shot - handheld too! He seems to be the same colour as the ones we see in Florida, although I am sure they very a bit. Congratulations!

[jeeperman]

Thank you Mark, Arlen, Terry, Dave and Gillie.

Arlen are you up this way a lot? No I am no surgeon...lol but I do have to be steady and have balance at work, maybe it has helped. =}

Terry, sounds like a good time. I am pleased my image brought such a good memory forward. Thanks for telling your story. it is what it's all about....special moments in time.

[BJ Denning]

I love birds of prey, especially owls. I'd love to access to them in the wild. Congrats on a great capture!