March 17, 2010

230: Screech

Photobucket
For the past couple of weeks I have been scoping out a certain tree in the neighbourhood, as it was rumoured to be harbouring a screech owl. Friends of Kerry's had spotted it on more than one occasion in a notch of a grizzled tree about two kilometres from our house, but were reluctant to disclose the exact location. Owl hogs.

Luckily, I was able to recognize the tree from the photo they showed. We found it during our frosty walk a couple of weekends ago, but the owl wasn't included. Two more visits by bike this past weekend were equally fruitless, though the ride – my first of the season – was muddy, filthy and tons of fun. Yesterday though, I struck paydirt, and the owl and I had a decent 10-minute shoot before direct sunlight disappeared. It seemed half-asleep, but tracked me with a mean stinkeye (below) as I navigated around with the camera.

Photobucket
I am hoping this is the little fellow's home and not just a hangout; it looks more than suitable. It would be great if I could track its progress over the summer.

6 comments:

Tamara Paetkau said...

Oh I was hoping you would post this to your blog so I could leave a comment! I saw it on your flickr and was SOOO jealous. I can just imagine your excitement when you finally saw him! I love that little stinkeye. Don't you just want to hug him? I think you should frame this, I love how he blends right in to the bark.

Jeope said...

A total blend. If I didn't know where to look, I'd have never seen it at all.

Ariel Gordon said...

So. Jealous.

Adrian J.K. Shum, CGD said...

That second photo is just too awesome! Hehe... 'Stinkeye Screech' - an appropriate name for the owl (perhaps)? Love the photos Jeope! Keep 'em coming...

Mykael said...

What a beautiful photo, Jeope. Completely made my day.

S/he is gorgeous!

Mark Kruk said...

Great photos.