Well, owl be!

I recently entered the Birds of Prey 2014 Photo Competition that was held by The Peregrine Fund.  There were a total of 318 photos entered.   I didn't win the popular vote by the general public, what I did win means much more to me.

First, one of my photos was chosen by The Peregrine Fund’s selection committee as one of 10 Honorable Mentions!  That prize includes: Free membership in The Peregrine Fund ($25 value). Receive the next Birds of Prey Calendar, 10% gift shop discount, and unlimited admission at the World Center for Birds of Prey for one year.

The best "prize" of all I found out about just today.  My Northern Saw-whet owl photo will be published in the 2015 Birds of Prey Calendar!  Woot! Woot! or should I say, Hoot! Hoot!? :)  This means I've met my "get published again" goal I had set for myself this year.  It's been a few years...since before my corneal transplants and such; so yes, I'm STOKED! 

​Here is the photo that was chosen...

Sunday Afternoon Captures...Northern Saw-whet Owl

A tip, along with some whitewash & pellets on the sidewalk, helped me locate this adorable little owl. He/she was pretty low in the branches overhanging the sidewalk, so I was able to get some pretty close shots. It's obvious this little cutie wasn't at all threatened by my presence. I knew these were small owls, but I was unprepared for just how small they are. I assume this is a male because he was on the lower side of the size scale. (Size: Length 17 to 21.9cm (6.7-8.6") Wingspan 45.9 to 56.3cm (18.1-22.2")Weight 75-110g (2.6-3.9oz) - Females are slightly larger than males.) He was so cute, I could hardly stand it! This was my first encounter with one of these owls and it was very exciting.

I hope you enjoy this image. To see more of the images I took, please CLICK HERE to see them in their gallery. You can see them larger there, too. If you want to order prints, check out my Birds of Prey gallery in my Print Galleries. For more information on the Northern Saw-whet owl, CLICK HERE.