Excitement. Thrills. Chills. In the middle of nowhere. On a lead. Couldn't sleep the night before because the info was fresh off the wire. This post today is something I'm very proud of. The photos aren't the best, but I'm posting them anyway. It also marks a new level of birding for me.
Last night I heard the news about some nesting Great Horned Owls near the Tanque Verde Wash. BUT it was a chance opportunity and yesterday I had a crazy day at work. They were on my mind all day. Would I make it after school was out to find this area? I didn't sleep all night with the news. What is wrong with me??!!!! Why was this so important?? Because it was a dare for myself.
A challenge. Detective work. Knowing the city. Having a deadline. I worked and right afterwards, I drove an hour and a half to this location. I know my plants and the person gave me the tree that they were near. Find the Cottonwood. I don't know if I illegally parked. I just know that I had 30 minutes of sunlight left! I crossed my fingers. I rushed. My heart beating....
In the dark skies, I heard the unmistakable "hooo hoooo hoooo". Dark. Eery. Ominous. Adrenaline rush extreme. I slowed my pace and listened more....homing in on the sounds. I walked closer and closer until I saw a dark shadow fly across the ominous sky. The thrill. The EXCITEMENT! And the payoff....
I almost didn't bring my camera thinking it would be dark by the time I got there, but I remembered Murphy's Law. Don't bring the camera, owls will appear. Good call on my part. The only goal tonight was to try and locate the general vicinity for a potential weekend shoot in daylight.
I came home tonight with the biggest smile on my face. I love Tucson. Even living here after all these years, it still thrills and surprises me.
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The Great Horned Owl
It doesn't get any better than this. More tomorrow.... |
Posts
Excellent stuff, there is something about finding your quarry, not easy to explain but for Great Horned Owl, I may well get equally as excited :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations! This was very exciting!
ReplyDeletethat is AWESOME!!! yay!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting Chris (hope I have the name right?) well done! It is such a thrill to find what you were hoping for and, as I know only too well, so disappointing when you don't :-) You also managed well in the fading light!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, what a terrific find! Those are wonderful pictures and knowing the back story makes them even more special.
ReplyDeleteAmazing sighting! I've only heard owls here, but never have seen one! (in my earlier, more unwashed days here, I mistook mourning doves with owls...)
ReplyDeleteIts always exciting to find an Owl species Rohrerbot. Fantastic birds!!!
ReplyDeleteOh WOW---you are so lucky. I'd love to see the Great Horned Owls sometime... I can only imagine your excitement... I hope you get to go back and get more pictures. They are beautiful... Congrats.
ReplyDeleteBetsy
Twoje opowiadanie o przeżyciach w poszukiwaniu sów jest wspaniałe.Są emocje i oczekiwanie, co będzie dalej. Znalazłaś je, bo są na zdjęciach :-). Pozdrawiam. *** Your story about the experiences in search of owls is wspaniałe.Są excitement and expectation of what will happen next. Did you find them, because they are the pictures :-). Yours.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful images, the last one, it is coming after you, Chris.
ReplyDeleteglad that worked out - looking forward to more photos. Your excitement sure comes out in this post.
ReplyDeletecongratulations Kreesh, you are very privileged!
ReplyDeleteThat's dedication! And so cool that you were rewarded for your persistence. I, too, am glad you took your camera with you!
ReplyDeleteWell done on getting those great shots of the owls, Chris. When a birding trip like that one has good results it gives a terrific buzz.
ReplyDeleteLoving your series of postings on France too - we've been considering going for years and now I want to visit even more!
Smokers! how did I miss this post!
ReplyDeletewow!!!!!!!!!!! and two of them!!!
I have seen the quiet flight of the greathorned...it is awesome indeed and eerie...
and you are correct about having your camera ready....good for you....
They are just starting to hoot, early today, and I must be right in the middle of a pair - the nest is inaccessible above the tailing piles of a quarry but the adult and the juveniles show up every year in our backyard. My waxwings are posted!
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