Photo Op

[Kingsnake]

Had an amazing afternoon with a bunch of Trad-Gangers in Northern Virginia today. While walking the 3-D trail, Gump21Bravo said, "Am I the only one who sees an owl in that tree?"  Sure enough, we all tuned in an snapped as many pics as we could from 25 yards. Then, we continued along the course, looping back closer to the owl.  Did I say "closer?"  I meant "CLOSER."

Eventually, we walked right up to the owl and snapped away until he/she started popping his/her beak.  Less than 6 feet away. Too cool.

 

I love my TradGang family....

Kingsnake  

That is a cool experience when we can get that close. That is a real neat pic too!

Bisch

[BOHO]

you should have tried to feed it. it was prolly hungry.  

[Kingsnake]

I did almost want to put my arm out to see if he would come land on it the way those trained raptors do, but there were people looking.      

Kingsnake

[Killdeer]

That is a beautiful picture you got, Doug!
I find it amazing that with the bunch of us shuffling through the varnished leaves, laughing and trash-talking and thoroughly distracted with each other and the targets, that Craig had the eyes and focus to see the bird. To have it sit in such a low and unprotected place is also astonishing. What a gift that it stayed put and let everybody take pictures as they pleased!

It was truly a magical day.
Killdeer

[Stump73]

[Kingsnake]

yep..a "non-hunting" day that is the high point of my season (so far!)

Kingsnake

[larry]

great pic, I'm amazed it let you get that close

[Kingsnake]

And this was no fancy camera with a long lens... it was a Droid 2 cell phone!

Kingsnake

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Very cool!  Owl's have a mystique about them...

[graybarkhunter]

i want some of that camoflauge thats on his/her head....       or for that matter, the whole body

[Alexander Traditional]

very cool picture

[Tsalt]

That really cool.  And I'll second the motion on owl head camo!  Amazing!

[goldflinger]

That is an awesome picture! I had an owl land about 20 feet from me one morning this season, but I was not quick enough with the camera.

[Plumber]

nature, what power. it blows my mind how seeing something like can stay with you the rest of your life.

[helo]

Great picture thanks for sharing !

[olddogrib]

Great pic. I'm a big fan of all raptors, but owls in particular. The only time I've gotten that close was a screech owl and it was after dark.  Followed the call and it let my son and I get very close, even carrying a flashlight.  I have a barred owl that regularly perches in my back yard right around dusk, and it also seems to be fairly tolerant of being approached.  Seems that they know how good their camo is when the only thing moving is the pivot of that head!

[Steve Kendrot]

Wow. I expected a Saw whet or screech, not a barred! Thats unusual for sure. Was Harry Potter in the bunch!?

[Richie]

Great photo , thanks for sharing.  

[Possum Head]

Beautiful bird! What a way to spend a day.