Surprise in my back yard



I know this is an art blog, but I have to share this.  This morning there were a bunch of crows going nuts with a cacophony of cawing.
I went out to investigate, and there, in a tree in my back yard, was this beautiful horned owl (click on his picture two times for a larger view.)

He was just sitting there quietly, and the crows did not like him being there at all.  There were 7 or 8 crows jumping around the branches and screaming (cawing) at this poor owl.  They were careful not to get TOO close.  This went on for over two hours.

I went out to take pictures, and, I have to admit, it was a little scary when he looked right down at me.  Stupid me, it didn't even occur to me to turn on the VIDEO part of my camera.

With all the noise and commotion, this video might have gone viral on YouTube.  Oh well - NEXT TIME.

18 comments:

Roxanne Steed said...

Whoa! Carol, he is amazing!

L.Holm said...

Awesome, Carol!! That's an incredible shot of him, too. I think it's great you were able to get any shots!

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

WOW...you gotta paint this one!! :) Thanks for sharing!

Bonnie Heather said...

Great shot! Thanks for sharing.

Sandy Sandy Art said...

Beautiful owl and great shot Carol. I hope I will see a wonderful interpretation of the event in your pigments soon!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

He is fantastic and I would say your video would have gone viral :-) Hope you do get another opportunity.

Pam Holnback said...

This is so cool! We had a bluejay in our yard today. Don't get too many of those here, so we all took note, But, that's nothing compared to your yard!

Marilyn R Miller said...

OO-oo-ooo! Lucky you!
I have never seen one of theses guys... Give yourself a big gold star for having been able to take such fine photos!

I really enjoy your abstract interpretations.

Nan Johnson said...

Oh wow! I just said to my husband that I would like to see an owl in the wild one day. What a great sight to see in your yard, and what a great photo you got. He is, indeed, starring down at you. And those talons! Such a beautiful & unique bird.

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

what a GREAT SURPRISE..thanks for sharing...and how beautiful!

Carol Nelson said...

Isn't he/she awesome? If any of you artists want to use this photo for a painting, please be my guest.

Mary Lou said...

magnificent creature isn't it? great capture, and thank you - I think I *will* attempt a painting...

Marie Flynn said...

What a great photo! He looks fantastic. Love the eyes!

Jenna said...

Wow, Carol, wonderful pictures!...and I thought the Red-Tailed Hawk in my tree was cool...this fellow's impressive!

Autumn Leaves said...

Stunning capture of a special moment, Carol. Not long ago, we saw our first live owl (other than at a zoo, that is) as we were driving down a country back road. Startled the heck out of us as it flew right by the car from a tree! Gorgeous creatures, for sure!

Sandy Sandy Art said...

I will take that as a challenge Carol, Thanks!!

Unknown said...

Wow, this must have been one great moment. Love that you posted it and it's OK that it's not video - so great just to be able to see it like this. Thanks Carol!

Kim Blair said...

What an amazing sight! Those piercing yellow eyes have the look of lasers...
Kim