Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to see a master falconer and environmental educator at work. The program, “Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience” by Lorrie Schumacher, featured several species of hawks and owls, native and exotic. I locked in on one bird in particular, a Barn Owl, because it’s a native species that I have yet to see in the wild.
Meet “Oliver” the Barn Owl.
Lorrie, Master Falconer, and Oliver the Barn Owl
Barn Owls hunt open habitats at night for mice and other small mammals. Daytime retreats and nesting sites include natural cavities and abandoned barns, silos and other structures. Despite their worldwide distribution, they, like many wildlife species, are vulnerable to habitat degradation and loss.
Photos by NB Hunter. © All Rights Reserved.
Nick's Nature Pics 
What an awesome opportunity! I’ve enjoyed the moments you captured. The eyes and the texture of the feather and patterns are so fine.
Thanks for the nice feedback. I share your thoughts on the details of the eyes and plumage. Therein lies the value in working with a tame animal.
Yay! Heading out to the high desert (Sheldon Nature Preserve) for the Supermoon Lunar Eclipse. Should be sketchy internet access for awhile…..
Good luck — expecting great things!
Wonderful photos to allow us to see the beauty of the barn owl.
Thanks Judith! I don’t usually work in unnatural situations, but I couldn’t pass on this opportunity – for the reason you mentioned.
Wild barn owls will surpass your expectations. Thanks for the intimate close ups.
Beautiful photos Nick. We have those around here and I have been lucky enough to see them in guess where; barns! They roost in the rafters. Anyway, loved looking at your great portraits.
Ha! We have a lot of barns, active and abandoned, in this area and I’m looking!! I’m also waiting for one of my informants to give me a good lead. I’m desperate to see one of these beauties in a natural setting and ultimately find a family in the spring. 🙂
Super shots, great opportunity – thank you for sharing these wonderful close-ups!