I drove down to a place called Buena Vista Grasslands. A refuge about an hour away thats notorious for raptors. As I pulled off the pavement and onto a rutted, dirt/sand/mud/ice road, I caught a glimps of something that made my heart skip two beats! He stayed put while I pulled over and got all rigged up. I jumped a barbed wire fence and carefully approached. Ive read many articles on how approachable these birds are. In fact, many purists frown on getting close because its so easy. well, I have an argument for them. This guy wouldnt let me within 100 yrds before flying off to a new spot. I persued him more but just couldnt get close enough for a quality image
I made my way back to the truck to drive around and find better access. As I rounded the area, keeping an eye on the owl on a mound waaay out there, I suddenly spotted another! This one closer to the road. I pulled up and shot him from the truck but still wasnt happy with the results. This guy was very nervous and I could tell he wouldnt last thru me trying to approach.
I got a bunch of shots of him flying.
There were dozens of hawks hunting the prairie. They all looked different but according to my Audubon app pics, were all variations of rough legged hawks.
I hate shooting in bright sunlight. It plays havok on exposure (especially with a pure white bird) and in turn effects the sharpness and overall quality of the pictures. Regardless, I was very excited to photograph my first Snowy Owl! Its definitly a bucket list achievement!
another 40 degree day here. Somethings just wrong in the jet stream. Supposed to go below zero this weekend tho. Yeeeehaw!
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