Hello Folks,
I was both fortunate and honoured to spend yesterday afternoon photographing four Great Gray owls just fifteen minutes from my home, here in Ottawa, Ontario. The Great Gray – commonly called the Phantom of the North – is a rare visitor to southern and eastern Ontario, with a home range and breeding ground in the northern Boreal forests.
Every four or five years these “ghost-like” birds move southward – usually en masse – typically in search of food. 2012/2013 is the year they have made an appearance once again, although not in as great numbers as one of the largest irruptions, occurring in 2004/2005. Many years not a single bird is spotted, so to spend time with one – let alone four – is truly a rare treat.
In terms of length, the Great Gray owl is the largest owl in North America, ranging from 24 to 33 inches. The wingspan can exceed 60 inches. Much of its size is deceptive, since this species’ fluffy feathers, large head and the longest tail of any extant owl obscure a body lighter than that of most other large owls.
Great Gray owls are very tolerant of daylight and have a relaxed attitude around humans, making them a wonderful photo subject if you are lucky enough to find one.
Enjoy the Outdoors,
Justin
(click on images to view at full size)
Hi Justin ! I see you have been out with your camera again! WOW what nice shots of the owls…they are truly a magnificent bird..You are very fortunate to get shots like that & even more than one owl…that is very unusual..At our “Riding Mountain National Park ” there is ” Grey Owls Cabin”. I undrstand Grey Owl was a woodsman & hunter long ago..I once found a dead ” horned owl ‘ at our farm & had it mounted…It is a protected species..so I had to get permission from the game warden before taking it to my taxidermist .. THANKS again for all the great shots and keep enjoying the great ” outdoors “…Till next time….George
What amazing photos and what a fabulous animal. I’m glad we all get to enjoy the irruption. Thanks (:
Glad you enjoyed the photos, Melissa. And thanks so much for reading…
Amazing pictures of a very majestic creature!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Barbara – pleased you enjoyed them.
Thankyou so much for sharing! They are phantastic the owls and the photos!
Thanks so much, Josephine. Glad you enjoyed them!
Hey Justin,
I hope you are doing well! Nice blog. I am a wildlife photographer from Milwaukee, WI (SheetsStudios.com) and am thinking of driving over to Ottawa around March 1st to photograph great grey owls – wondering your thoughts on the timing and if you could help point me in the right direction.
Look forward to hearing from you,
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the note. Feel free to send me along an email (it can be found on the right-side column on my site) and I will reply to you on there with some advice and my thoughts.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Justin
Great! Just emailed you…thanks again!