I was so fortunate this past week - I went to Fir Island, Washington, to
hopefully photograph more short-eared owls. I got there just as a Northern
Harrier and a Short-eared Owl were interacting while hunting. Then the wind
started to come up again, and the owl landed on a stump just across the
stream to the east of me.

You're welcome to check out this shot of the owl looking up, watching for
either the Harrier or predators.

http://www.nancywagnerphotography.com/owlforum/seowllookingup.jpg

Best yet, though, I got to watch her (I think it's a female because of the
streaking that goes so far down to her legs, and her tawnier color) as she
eyed a limb closer to the ground, looked around to make sure it was safe,
then hopped down to this new limb. Then, she did this little "dance" with
her feet to get better situated, and I could see the whole thing!

Awhile later, as the wind started gusting, she eyed the grass further below
her. I thought she saw a vole or something, but then she dropped down into
that spot, protected from the wind coming from the east. By this time, I
could only see her head and one eye peeking from the tall grass. I dropped
to the ground myself and sat there for almost 30 more minutes, listening to
the wind and pondering on my good fortune to observe this gorgeous owl so
closely. Finally, I had to leave since it was getting dark and cold.

Here's another more traditional photo of the owl (this is almost full frame
for those interested in such things).

http://www.nancywagnerphotography.com/owlforum/seoheadon.jpg

Nancy J. Wagner, Bothell, WA
http://www.NancyWagnerPhotography.com
Nancy AT nancywagnerphotography.com