I See You, Mommy

[Doug L]

Canon XT, 4 inch (OD) achromatic refractor - 1000mm focal length (F/9.8)
17123

The wonderful bonding gaze of an infant into its mothers eyes is common in many species, but here the parent is in a tree about 50 feet away. I've been watching the progress of a pair of young Great Horned Owls in a local conservation area. This shot was taken about a week ago, and now the larger of the two is almost ready to fly. Happy Mother's Day everyone.

[Marko]

such an interesting looking creature!

[Realist]

That's a cute fuzzy little fellow!

[Michaelaw]

Damn I love Owls...Great capture

[Doug L]

Thanks, guys. It's been a lot of fun watching the owls and most of the viewers and photographers have been respectful of the family - not moving around too much or being noisy. The nest is on top of a dead tree about as high as a wooden hydro pole, but it is only about 20 ft. from the main walking path. Over the last couple of days, the parents have brought in meals of a gull, coopers hawk, and a rabbit.

[Hillbillygirl]

Very cool shot Doug. Not something you get to see/photograph every day, and love to hear that all are respecting the owls also.