Northern Hawk Owl

Jody Melanson

The Northern Hawk Owl is not likely to be confused with any other owl. This is one of the most diurnal (meaning he hunts during the day) owls. The distinctly Hawk-like or Falcon-like owl is usually seen perched in a high vantage point, tree limb or even telephone pole, scanning for prey. This is a very bold, almost tame, owl that seems focused on prey and some times may be approached very close with little obvious fear or concern of people. The sexes are alike in appearance although male and female can be distinguished by voice. The bill is yellow, the iris of the eyes are lemon yellow, and the length is 16" (about the size of a Prairie Falcon). The relatively long tail, whitish facial disk outlined with black, white spotted back and head, heavily brown barred whitish chest and falcon shape are the identifying markings for this northern owl. Deep brown back deepens to black at the nape and head. Heavily white spotting become smaller and more numerous from the nape around to the forehead.

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This guy flies very fast and is tough to track while in flight.

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Do you like the processing on this one?

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I love how even their eyelids are covered with feathers.

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I call this one, "rounding second base" I had trouble with the camera grabbing focus on the thistles instead of the Owl. Was happy to see this photo while going through my shots of the day.

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About to pounce!

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Crop from above.

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My personal favourite shot of this beautiful little Owl. Have already had this printed large.

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Cinda

Oh wow, these are just amazing shots. Really like the zig-zag lines of the first one, but they're all wonderful.

Qarik

that 2nd picture is incredible. wow

Bayer-Z28

Amazing! I love owls, very interesting birds..

Ann McRae

Absolutely gorgeous shots! Beautiful bird, beautiful photos!!


ann

GBZee

These are just GREAT! Well Done!

JavaLover

Wow! Great shots! My 12yo son loved them too, the Northern Hawk Owl is one of his top 4 favorite owls.

riddim_maker

Absolutely Fantastic

Awais Yaqub

Exceptional photos
masterpiece

dbaker1221

phenomenal series Jody!!! beautiful bird

Maestro

Outstanding. I can't pick a fav!

BikePilot

Every one of them is quite amazing!
clap

jonh68

clap

Hard to pick out a favorite. If only one of them were in a contest, it would win. You have several outstanding photographs.

Jet

whoa.. these are stunning shots!! What a beautiful bird. Haha I wish I had images of these quality. Well done!

Elaine

Wow! Wow! Wow! What a beautiful bird and astounding photos! Quite incredible.

JenGrace

Don't know what to say that hasn't already been said. These are fantastic!

Option1

Beautiful shots Jody. I just hope you weren't one of the f***ing morons baiting the bird.

Neil

spechtal

Beautiful set. I love the one where his eyes are closed. He looks really serene. Thank you for these Jody.

mepaparazzi

Super Bird!

Becomes a cylinder with wings in flight ...

Awesome pictures ... you captured the beauty of this birdy very nicely!

Jody Melanson

Option1 wrote:

Beautiful shots Jody. I just hope you weren't one of the f***ing morons baiting the bird.

Neil

I find your type of personality quite interesting, Neil. You think I am such a bad person for baiting these Owls, thus providing food for him, (which is the only reason a Boreal Owl is down here, to try and find food) but you feel justified by insulting me with nasty names. I would bet you have feeders in your backyard for baiting the songbirds? Ever hold out your hand for the Chickadees with some sunflower seeds in your hand? Please explain to me how you or your type, are so different than myself?

So far the only difference I can see is, I provided food for a creature that I love immensely and who was obviously hungry or he would have stayed way up North. I'm sorry you felt compelled to judge me and insult me, because I don't share the same beliefs as you.

I don't fish. Should I start insulting fishermen because I don't fish? I don't hunt, should I start insulting hunters? I don't like coffee either.

I educate myself about everything I photograph and how my actions affect nature as much as possible before proceeding. If I felt my actions harmed my subject in any way, I would not do it.

I know your type go on about a pet store mouse containing some evil diseases and such. I know many people that have Snakes as pets and have been feeding them pet store Mice for years and years with no problems whatsoever. What about Falconers?

Would you rather I was a hunter?

How do you think the photographers get a lot of the photos they use in birding books? Baiting, "forced perches", calls, drips, etc....

Do some real research, Neil, before you are so quick to judge....you might be surprised at the results.

Please try and have a Happy New Year, Neil! Maybe a good resolution for you would be to try not curse and call other people names because they don't feel your opinion is right?

martinh

Great shots! I really like #2 and #8. The blue sky makes the owl really stand out. Also, great DOF!

Option1

EDIT: Jody, I've no doubt you love the birds you shoot, but that doesn't make your actions right.

I think it's probably just best if we agree to disagree.

Neil

PS: I doubt you know my "type" at all.