Silent Flight, Noisy Night 5667
The Great Horned Owl is one of the America's largest and most common owls. That being said, my first encounter with one of these regal bird was only a few years ago. This encounter was special, however. We first noted him sitting atop a telephone pole near the banks of Kissimmee Lake. We decided to play a few calls and within minutes he swooped down to a nearby fencepost very close to me. Having once had a barred owl answer my call, I wanted to see if I could elucidate a similar response. Using a similar cadence of three short hoots followed by two longer I was enthralled when he turned with his powerful legs and talons to face me directly and came closer. I hooted back and he, intrigued, came even closer. He leaned forward and belted out another series of hoots. Our exchange of hoots went on for what seemed like an eternity, with this magnificent bird eventually no more than about 10 feet from me, We stood toe to toe, our eyes locked while in conversation. What I would have given to know exactly what he was thinking. Eventually, he flew off. Despite his size and 4 foot wingspan his flight was as silent as the evening sun. The soft feathers of the Great Horned Owl endow them with the ability to fly without making much of any noise. It's a distinct advantage when chasing prey. This was an evening of silent flight and noisy avian conversation that I will remember fondly for a long time to come. #GreatHornedOwl #HandHeld600mm
Silent Flight, Noisy Night 5667
The Great Horned Owl is one of the America's largest and most common owls. That being said, my first encounter with one of these regal bird was only a few years ago. This encounter was special, however. We first noted him sitting atop a telephone pole near the banks of Kissimmee Lake. We decided to play a few calls and within minutes he swooped down to a nearby fencepost very close to me. Having once had a barred owl answer my call, I wanted to see if I could elucidate a similar response. Using a similar cadence of three short hoots followed by two longer I was enthralled when he turned with his powerful legs and talons to face me directly and came closer. I hooted back and he, intrigued, came even closer. He leaned forward and belted out another series of hoots. Our exchange of hoots went on for what seemed like an eternity, with this magnificent bird eventually no more than about 10 feet from me, We stood toe to toe, our eyes locked while in conversation. What I would have given to know exactly what he was thinking. Eventually, he flew off. Despite his size and 4 foot wingspan his flight was as silent as the evening sun. The soft feathers of the Great Horned Owl endow them with the ability to fly without making much of any noise. It's a distinct advantage when chasing prey. This was an evening of silent flight and noisy avian conversation that I will remember fondly for a long time to come. #GreatHornedOwl #HandHeld600mm