First Short-eared Owl for PBC
On Monday after work, I stopped at the Pheasant Branch prairie and found a Short-eared Owl hunting over the fields - the first time I've ever observed this species at the conservancy. Because the bird was zooming and gliding non-stop, I realized the only chance to digiscope it would be via video capture:
Last evening I met up with Dottie, Sylvia, Lisa and Jesse to see if the owl might return, but no such luck for us. It was so windy; perhaps the owl waited until later to come out to hunt. While we waited, I snapped a few photographs of the scenery. On our way back to the parking lot, we heard the peenting calls of American Woodcock.
All media © 2008 Mike McDowell
posted by Mike McDowell @ 3:17 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
The video is fascinating; I could watch it all morning. Thank you.
Thanks for posting the video!
I'm curious, because I know that you have the same scope as I do, (although I don't digiscope) what kind of head do you have on your tripod? I need a new one, and I was impressed by how smoothly you were able to follow the owl.
Erin,
I'm glad you thought it was steady! This was the first time I shot video via digiscope of a flying bird. The tripod head is the Bogen 3130 or 128RC.
Mike
Thanks!
Wow! I work near PBC and have started to make a concerted effort to visit over lunch or after work. It's part of an attempt to become more of real birder. Had I seen this I would have been very excited despite my inability to identify the subject. Thanks for the awesome blog!
Mike you really are amazing! I love looking at all your pictures! Love ya.
Emily
I hope to see more video on your blog. Very helpful for identifying birds of prey in flight.
Has anyone found pasque flowers blooming at PBC this year?
We found them that evening.
Mike
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