Twenty-five people must have passed him in the span of an hour. And no one noticed. We were heading back after a short trek in Strawberry Canyon (Berkeley) when I saw something in my periphery. That’s almost always how it is. A subconscious scan picks up a shape out of place. It’s often how I’ve come upon injured animals. Something stands out in the visual spectrum.
This anomaly was a Great Horned Owl — perched in stillness just off the fire road. Once we stopped, hikers and runners noticed him, too. I put down my camera after these shots and stood with everyone else in silence, watching the spectacular and nonchalant display of this owl who almost wasn’t there.
You can hear the call of a Great Horned Owl at the Cornell All About Birds site. Also listen to the Mourning Dove call to contrast the two. People often confuse the sounds of owls and doves.
Great Horned Owl – ©ingridtaylar
Great Horned Owl – ©ingridtaylar
This brought tears to my eyes (and you know why:) What a beautiful shot of the Great Horned Owl.
It’s funny beacause I see owls all the time in products anymore. So I started a side blog called The Daily Owl in honor of my grandpa. Check it out when you get a chance: https://thedailyowl.blogspot.com/
Hugs, C