This will be my last posting for the next two weeks as my wife and I and some friends will be going to Costa Rica for a short vacation. This will not be a birding/photo tour as I am the only photographer in the group. I will, however, be bringing a camera and some lenses and perhaps sneak off to catch a few good bird shots now and again.

As I won't be posting for a few weeks, I don't feel too guilty about posting the following series of 10 consecutive images. They show the actions of a Great Gray Owl, from first spotting its prey, to diving down for the kill, to finally eating it. Since the sun was largely behind the subject, some of the images are not that good technically; however, my purpose for joining pbase was not to only show technical excellence but as well to share animal behavior, These images clearly illustrate the Owls total concentration on catching and eating its prey as it ignored the several photographers clicking away close-by.

Image # 1 (above): The Great Gray has spotted a vole at the base of a tree and flies to a branch almost directly above it. Note how well the Owl blends in with the forest/trees.


The Owl lands on a branch, all the while never loosing sight of the vole.


The Owl positions itself for a dive to capture the unsuspecting vole.


It dives straight down.....


... and down, at which point I loose it behind the tree trunk.


But, it got its prey and happily flies away to an other perch.


Triumphant.


A quick repositioning of its catch and a hasty look to see if the coast is clear, then.....


Dinner can begin.


Dinner is done all too quickly, a couple of gulps, a smug look and the Owl prepares for the next catch. It may catch/eat up to eight to ten voles a day, usually towards dusk.

CATCH UP WITH YOU ALL IN A FEW WEEKS