©Chris Spohn
December 20, 2019
Destination: Burrowing Owls
- as seen by -
Chris Spohn
It was December 26. My oldest daughter and I were ready for the 17-hour drive to Florida. Our plan was to get to Jacksonville in one day then make our way down to Cape Coral at a more relaxed pace. I had recently discussed our potential Florida trip with a birding friend of mine who had just returned from that area.
“There are burrowing owls down there!” he exclaimed.
The trip had to happen.
We made it to Cape Coral and drove around to find those owls. We parked near a baseball field and saw some burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) immediately – everywhere. What an incredible thing.
Burrowing owls are active during the day and are semi-accustomed to people walking by (having chosen to make their home near the sidewalk). I was able to sit right down and take a few pictures quickly without disturbing them. I paid attention to the protective marking and signage around the owls put there by the wonderful people that monitor the burrows.
There’s always a sense of excitement and relief when you find the thing you’re looking for.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This photo was chosen as one of the top submissions for Wild View’s Beginning with B assignment. Congratulations!
Pentax K-1 with Sigma 300mm Lens
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