Sunday, August 27, 2006

My Mama was here visiting over the weekend. This morning we were sitting out on the back porch drinking coffee when this Barred owl flew across the pond. My husband seen her yesterday but we were not as lucky. She flew to several different places near the pond before I lost sight of her. I say "HER" because I believe she is a her. The males are usually a good bit smaller than the females. I have encountered barred owls up close and personal three times in my life. They are very docile. Federal and State laws are very strict about having an owl, birds of prey and other wildlife in your possession. Due to the experiences I have had with the barred owl, I came real close to pursuing a license in wildlife rehabilitation and specifically in birds of prey. A horrible incident with Auburn University in Alabama detoured me. It is still a tender spot with me and therefore I will not elaborate on that incident. I have often said if I had a career to do over I believe I would choose to be a veterinarian. But I am blessed because God continues to allow me wonderful glimpses of the animal kingdom He created. COOL!! HUH?

13 comments:

Marci said...

WOW, you really do get the wildlife around there. Great pictures!!!

Kelli said...

Now, that is a gorgeous owl!!! He looks very gentle. You take the most amazing pictures!
I hope you and your mama had a great visit!
Kelli

mouse said...

I love this picture, it is just so beautiful. What I wouldn't give to see one of these up close and in my backyard would be even better. What kind of camera do you use? I have been looking for a new one but don't really know what it is I want yet but I love the pictures you take with yours.

Reviekat said...

Great picture! You have the most amazing wildlife available to you. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

dot said...

Tina, I'd love to get a picture like that. Not possible with my camera!

Jen said...

What wonderful pictures...I have never seen one before.
Hope you had a great visit with mom....
Thanks for checking on me and the family...Miller has recovered...he ended up with Roseolla Virus from the high fever and broke into a rash. He is still on his anti biotic which we have to rick him into taking but he is good....Have a great week.
Jen

Unknown said...

How lucky to have such beautiful birds on your property - a gift indeed.

The little birds that visit our garden are not so grand, but cute.

Out driving in the early hours one morning in winter, I saw a white flash - and was lucky to see a white barn out which perched on a pole by the side of a lane.

Don't you just feel so privileged when something like that happens.

Clara....in TN said...

Tina, How close were you to the owl? You must have had to zoom in. What kind of camera do you have? I loved the pictures. Your Mom sounds like me when I go visit my daughter. We ride the four wheeler and just get out and see what we can find. I love it.

Tina Leigh said...

I got my camera from Wal-MArt...it is a Kodak 5.0 mega Pix with a 10X zoom. I got it a couple of years ago so I am sure they have something much better now. I knew I wanted one with a good zoom but I have found the closer you zoom in the less movement you can make or the picture will be blurry. I have a tri-pod but you cant set one of those up every time you want to zoom..you gotta hurry! I'm not good at judging distance but maybe I was a 100 feet from the owl. Those owls are really docile so I could have gotten closer but where she was at I would have to get in the boat to get closer. Sunday evening Danny was out squirrel hunting, he said she followed him around until he shot one. He then threw it right on the ground below her...she had a treat! The camera was in the 400$ range. I know that sounds like a lot but I really have got my moneys worth out of it. Yall go get one!!! Thanks for everyones nice comments! Jen, I am so glad MIller is feeling better! I'll check in with you tomorrow to see how your heart is doing.

Sandra said...

Oh WOW how beautiful, you are so lucky to be able to live surrounded by such beauty :)

Thanks for sharing all these wonderful pictures, visiting your blog always leaves a big smile on my face :)

LadySnow said...

Beautiful pictures. Isn't God's creation wonderful? Someday I hope to have a grape vine to make jelly and juice for special occasions. God reminds us of his greatness and love everyday. It is so evident from all the nature around us!

G.P. said...

Greetings, from Montana, at the Fish Creek House Bed and Breakfast where G-d 's creatures roam freely on our property.. not owls here, but all kinds of white tail deer, elk, ,sheep and even moose. I'm finding my horses (i'm new to them as a transplanted NY'er are really G-d's greatest gifts.

Jenn said...

Amazing! I've never seen an owl in natural environment before......neat. I'd be afraid, if close up though.