Great Horned Owl Youngster

What an amazing day, as we took our first trip to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge just north of Vancouver WA. We decided to do the drive around, although you were able to get out and take photos when you wanted! It's a beautiful spot, and there was so much to see!

I saw my first great horned owls...a mother and her two babies, perched in a tree right near the road. One photographer had been there the entire day, and she didn't look like she was ever going to leave. She had struggled with the light all day long, and she was hoping it would get better. It was tricky as their downy coats are so light, and being up in the tree, it's hard to get a light face so you can see those wonderful eyes!

My favorite shots are found on my Flickr page. The one immature owl was stretching his leg and showing his talons...very cool! At one point, one of them started panting, and you could see him open his beak and the feathers at his neck were moving. All so amazing to watch! The new camera was amazing, and I was very pleased with the detail on the talons and beak.