Whooo are you

[Broke Jeep Joe]

We were out and about Sunday afternoon checking the fire area and a few other places. Came upon this guy/gal on a dead fall near Adams Feed strip. We stopped to get a pic and it floated off the dead fall into the road behind us. He/she would let me within about 5 feet or so, then hop away. Couldn’t fly very high at all, maybe 3 feet off the ground and not very much distance. I didn't keep pushing, only took these shots and left. Hoping it roosted somewhere high enough and didn’t become coyote bait. I'm guessing this is a Short Ear owl, not only because of the obvious, but based on the info I found on the easternet ! I'll leave the ID to the pros though

 

[Gibby]

You witnessed a diversionary display by a Great Horned. If you return and take a closer look you may find a nest or young.

 

[Broke Jeep Joe]

You witness a diversionary display by a Great Horned. If you return and take a closer look you may find a nest or young.

Yep, just checked with a friend and he gave the same info you did above! thanks Gibby!

 

[RednekF350]

The technique worked Joe. You didn't find the nest or the young !
I've seen killdeer do it many times. very dramatic.

 

[Broke Jeep Joe]

The technique worked Joe. You didn't find the nest or the young !
I've seen killdeer do it many times. very dramatic.

Sure did, I would have bet broken wing for sure!

 

[46er]

Kind of late for a Great Horned to be on a nest, usually done in Jan-Feb, but I guess it could be a late bloomer

They are normally out of the nest by June.

 

[Gibby]

46er, I have only seen them do this tactic near the nest or when juveniles were roosting low or on the ground. The owls have a different reaction when caught on the ground with prey. They hold onto their catch and cover it, while putting you between them and their meal. What are your thoughts on the owl's actions that Joe captured?

 

[46er]

What are your thoughts on the owl's actions that Joe captured?

Would like to see if there is anything in its talons, they do try to cover their kills up, as that ones position suggests. Just guesses, only the GHO knows

 

[Broke Jeep Joe]

Would like to see if there is anything in its talons, they do try to cover their kills up, as that ones position suggests. Just guesses, only the GHO knows

There was nothing in the talons, could clearly see the feet as it moved away from me

 

[manumuskin]

We were out and about Sunday afternoon checking the fire area and a few other places. Came upon this guy/gal on a dead fall near Adams Feed strip. We stopped to get a pic and it floated off the dead fall into the road behind us. He/she would let me within about 5 feet or so, then hop away. Couldn’t fly very high at all, maybe 3 feet off the ground and not very much distance. I didn't keep pushing, only took these shots and left. Hoping it roosted somewhere high enough and didn’t become coyote bait. I'm guessing this is a Short Ear owl, not only because of the obvious, but based on the info I found on the easternet ! I'll leave the ID to the pros though

They always look so pissed off!

 

[Broke Jeep Joe]

They always look so pissed off!

Yes they do, I really think this one had the right to be with me there taking pics like a tourist!

 

[popeofthepines]

Yes they do, I really think this one had the right to be with me there taking pics like a tourist!

Nice picture taking. And I learned something tonight because I did not kmow that they did that. I thought the little guy/girl was injured and may become coyote bait; glad i learned differently. Thank you for the info