Damn Papparazzi!!!

[rtbaum]

I had the opportunity to revisit this owl this afternoon. I may be a bit of an opportunist, this bird is clearly being baited. I was able to get quite close without any signs of distress (beyond my own standing on a 10' mound of snow). The bird was very approachable and is very accustomed to throngs of photographers. I at least tried to be somewhat stealthy, one guy actually came up at a full gallop. I am curious what others feel about the practice of baiting. I, personally, feel a little uneasy with the practice. I fear that it is dangerous to the owl and photog, when one of these owls approach to take the bait, it is rapid and the owl ain't messing around. It is not terribly unusual for these visitors to visit Minnesota in the Winter, this year has been very fruitful with at least 297 individuals spotted this Winter (I did note a possible new sighting posted today).

[deetheturk]

Looks like it is giving those guys the evil eye,nice image!

[IzzieK]

Caption should be "I'm not that stupid, mister!" It is beautiful Randy...very sharp. Did you take this on an afternoon?

[Bobobird]

Fine shot.

I have been looking for snowies all winter (and last winter and the winter before that) with little luck except that one butt shot a while back. I could go to the places where they are being actively fed but reckon that I might as well go to a recovery centre or zoo if those are the kind of shots I want. Somewhat squeamish about seeing the insides of mice being ripped out so will just have to keep relying on luck. One day, one day....

Have been really fortunate to have close encounters with a great gray owl which are much rarer so cannot really complain.

[Shadowman]

Nice.

[rtbaum]

Fine shot.

I have been looking for snowies all winter (and last winter and the winter before that) with little luck except that one butt shot a while back. I could go to the places where they are being actively fed but reckon that I might as well go to a recovery centre or zoo if those are the kind of shots I want. Somewhat squeamish about seeing the insides of mice being ripped out so will just have to keep relying on luck. One day, one day....

Have been really fortunate to have close encounters with a great gray owl which are much rarer so cannot really complain.

Bobo- I did feel like I was somehow cheating, knowing that others have been actively feeding. I don't see my self using this practice as I truly believe that these individuals have a grim future this coming year. These owls will soon be returning to their breeding grounds and one wonders if they have gained the experience to survive. In this location, there are two in very close proximity. I am curious as to whether they may be siblings, it just seems that they would normally be more solitary.

There is an area near Duluth that is on my wish list, known as Sax-Zim bog, where the Great Greys and Hawk owls are found in relative abundance.

[rtbaum]

Caption should be "I'm not that stupid, mister!" It is beautiful Randy...very sharp. Did you take this on an afternoon?

Isabel, This was indeed shot about an hour before sunset. I had hoped to catch the colors of sunset reflected on the owl, but the owl had enough of people-watching and moved to a more private location.

[Brownbear]

Gorgeous image! The owl looks like it is winking at you.

Finding an owl is still just a dream for me. Thank you for sharing.

[Bobobird]

It is'nt cheating. Snowies have been known to come close in other situations. If regularly fed, the only advantage is they do not fly away as quickly. One guy was telling me he was sick of shooting the snowy because one had taken up residence in his backyard. haha

You should go to that place for the GGO and Hawk owls - awesome birds. Photographically, the GGO is awesome.

[Wavelength]

very nice; love it

[wlou]

Here is an article on the subject of baiting owls with live mice.
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2...wl-group-warns

[rtbaum]

It is'nt cheating. Snowies have been known to come close in other situations. If regularly fed, the only advantage is they do not fly away as quickly. One guy was telling me he was sick of shooting the snowy because one had taken up residence in his backyard. haha

You should go to that place for the GGO and Hawk owls - awesome birds. Photographically, the GGO is awesome.

I must say that the novelty has worn off, these two owls are on the same roosts everyday, 24/7. Someone has plowed out a parking area and maintained the area all winter to accommodate the birdwatchers and photogs. I wish I had started a coffee shop on the edge of the lot, I could have become rich in no time

In regards to Sax-Zim, someday.....someday

[bnnrcn]

Very nice

[rtbaum]

When I edited this image, I made the decision to keep the rock to the right as I felt that it gave additional interest. As I drove home today after work, I started wondering how a rock ended up on the top of a construction trailer. I began wondering if some moron had thrown it to elicit a reaction from the owl (who doesn't want the flight shot). When I rechecked the image, the aha moment hit. The "rock" is in actuality an owl pellet..............WAY cool!!!

[Bobobird]

Here is an article on the subject of baiting owls with live mice.
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2...wl-group-warns

Those are the ones I could have gone and got the nice shots but did not.