Herbert the Great Horned Owlet
Herbert the Great Horned Owlet
We finally left Utah last Friday, and headed north. We have camped on this part of the Snake river in years past, and always like it. There are several osprey nests, bald eagles young and old, and this year we have Herbert the Great Horned Owlet. This is the first time I’ve seen owls here, and it’s been so fun to have them close. I’ve never seen an owlet, of any variety, so I’m really excited about that part.
When we got here late Friday there were a lot of weekend campers, so we found an OK spot and waited for Monday morning when we knew we could move somewhere better. Sadly this area has gotten more popular over the years. Anyway, while walking Torrey Monday morning I spotted two owls in a nearby tree. I hustled back to the RV for my camera.
Meet Herbert. Obviously I have no idea if this is male or female, but he just looks like a Herbert.
When I went back with my camera, he was sound asleep. One of the parents was really close to him, but flew when it saw me. This startled the little one, and woke him up.
I walked back and forth several times yesterday checking up on him. One time, I about walked on him. Who knew they like to hang out on the ground under a bush. He flew to this tree, and hung out there for a while.
Trying to cool off. Looks like he’s laughing at me.
Talk to the talon.
After almost walking on him, I was more aware of where he might be on the ground.
One time I found him in this odd spot. Must have been comfy I guess.
The parent was in the same spot all day, not too far from Herbert, but not very visible either. I managed to get one shot, but not a very good one.
Just before sunset the light was golden, so I walked over to check on Herbert one last time.
Gotta keep those feathers clean.
He’s so aware of everything. Birds in the air, critters on the ground, and me. Now I think he sees me and thinks, Oh…you again.
I’m super careful if there are people around to not draw attention to where he is. Right now there aren’t too many campers, but I’m sure that will change come this long holiday weekend. I’ll just have to be extra sneaky checking on him, and make sure he makes it OK through the holiday.
You capture his incredible essence so beautifully!
I love great horned owls and would love to see an owlet! You got many of his expressions! Love them all!
Very cool little one. He seems comfortable with you, but I bet his mom is a nervous mess. Hopefully none of the campers will be interested enough to venture out and find him.
This is very cool!
Wonderful photos and how exiting to watch. I discovered a Loon sitting on her nest, and like you, we’ll pass by slowly on the boat to observe her but not if other boats are around. We don’t want to draw attention to her. She’s very well hidden.
There is always something very special about owls. You captured this Great Hornet Owlet beautifully in these images.
What a great find, he is adorable! We have owls around (the only ones I’ve seen have been Barred owls) but I have never seen a young one. I had no idea they hung out on the ground either. We hope Herbert is getting through the holiday weekend OK!
Oh my goodness – he is insanely cute. Great images of him!!!! I hate weekends, to be perfectly honest, the world fills with partiers. Yuck. I hope that he is okay.