Birthday Bundle
Birthday Bundle - Four years ago I had an unforgettable encounter on my birthday.
While photographing a recently fledged Western Screech-Owl at sunrise, I heard the jays furiously mobbing something in the bushes.
I thought there might be a raptor or Bobcat in there but my jaw dropped when a Mountain Lion jumped the creek to escape the jays and ended up just 25 feet away from me. I didn't want to turn my back to the lion or make any sudden movements at such close quarters so I stood my ground. To my surprise - the lion didn't even notice I was there! After a split second the lion realized I was right in front and bolted away.
I couldn't take any photos since I was setup for long exposures on a tripod and didn't want to follow since I suspected this was either a female or young adult. With cubs around you really want to give them a wide berth. I closed the day out with Gray Fox and Bobcat sightings for an amazing quadruple wildlife day.
Definitely a day that will stay with me for the rest of my life - the adrenaline was really pumping!
Species: Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
Location: California, USA
Date Taken: July 2021
Equipment: Nikon D850 + Nikon 500 f/4 G + 1.4x Extender
Settings: 1/6s, ISO: 640, 700mm @f/5.6, On Tripod w Remote Release
Birthday Bundle
Birthday Bundle - Four years ago I had an unforgettable encounter on my birthday.
While photographing a recently fledged Western Screech-Owl at sunrise, I heard the jays furiously mobbing something in the bushes.
I thought there might be a raptor or Bobcat in there but my jaw dropped when a Mountain Lion jumped the creek to escape the jays and ended up just 25 feet away from me. I didn't want to turn my back to the lion or make any sudden movements at such close quarters so I stood my ground. To my surprise - the lion didn't even notice I was there! After a split second the lion realized I was right in front and bolted away.
I couldn't take any photos since I was setup for long exposures on a tripod and didn't want to follow since I suspected this was either a female or young adult. With cubs around you really want to give them a wide berth. I closed the day out with Gray Fox and Bobcat sightings for an amazing quadruple wildlife day.
Definitely a day that will stay with me for the rest of my life - the adrenaline was really pumping!
Species: Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)
Location: California, USA
Date Taken: July 2021
Equipment: Nikon D850 + Nikon 500 f/4 G + 1.4x Extender
Settings: 1/6s, ISO: 640, 700mm @f/5.6, On Tripod w Remote Release