Without question, the winner of this particular staring contest was the little burrowing owl. Just after I fired the shutter, the kid burst out laughing, and the owl haughtily turned his head 180 degrees in disdain as if to say "amateur".
This little guy is 15 years old (equivalent to 85 human years) and is a great-great-great grandfather, so I guess he's got reason to be proud of himself.
Here's a good look at his face. Such a regal bearing for such a small bird. I'm pretty sure he's named Owl Capone.
Burrowing owls are a threatened species on the Alberta praries, due to habitat loss and pesticides, so this little guy's breeding prowess is critical to the Centre's efforts to protect the species.
Been there, did that last summer! The birds there are absolutely fantastic and yes, the close ups with the hawks and owls are worth every penny of the entry fee. Great pics!
Posted by: Grumpy | Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at 11:35 PM
Thank you, Lovey! I see where ya installed Ted's banner... terrific!
And, yes... you do photograph well. You make gorgeous photos, whether it's you IN them or taking them.
*hugs on ya*
Posted by: Stevie | Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 06:30 AM
oh man, I LOVE owls. We've had several, of several different species, living here in this urban RV park in central Texas. Thanks for the great pics!
Posted by: dragonfly jenny | Friday, August 06, 2004 at 06:00 PM
Beautiful pictures! But then again, all your pics are great.
Posted by: Funkalicious | Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 01:04 AM
Wonderful photographs Paul!!
Regal is a very fitting description, for the feathered gent, IMO. Gorgeous animal.
Posted by: Greg | Tuesday, August 03, 2004 at 01:37 AM
IT'S PIG!!! (as in Pigwidgeon) It's a Harry Potter thing! :-)
Posted by: Teresa | Monday, August 02, 2004 at 09:47 PM
VERY cool photos! Thank you for posting them!
~S
Posted by: Stan | Monday, August 02, 2004 at 09:34 PM