While we certainly don't get anywhere near as many as we do Great Horneds, it's not unusual for us to get Great Grey Owls in at the shelter. What is unusual is for me to photograph them. Great Grey Owls stress easily and badly. Obviously the majority of the birds I'm photographing would be happier not having a camera in their face, but there's a distinction. There's good agitation - the kind that keeps them alert and wary of people - and there's bad agitation. Great Greys are very prone to the bad kind. The kind that causes the kind of stress that is unhealthy. If I sense any hint of that kind of agitation I drop the food and leave, not making eye contact. It's rare that a Great Grey is in a mellow enough mood to be photographed.
So when, like today, a Great Grey is in a mellow mood, I practically fill the card. Today's post is a Great Grey a palooza. Off we go then... ready, set...
FuhLING!
I also avoid the flash to be as unobtrusive as possible.
Love that facial disk.
...and that's enough of that.
