Strike IV

Strike IVSurveying the terrain, the Short eared Owl adjusted its flight path, hovering briefly as its keen hearing detected movement in the grasses. Then, with impressive speed, it swooped down, talons ready, striking with unerring accuracy to catch the concealed vole.

dancing on the breeze as the owl takes flight

The old fence post remained behind

The power and size of a Short-eared Owl's talons become evident when launching from a perch

Silent wings swoop down

the fields lay cloaked in a fresh dusting of snow

Morning light filters

Hunting dreams take flight

Caspian Tern dives

Short-eared owl grasps nature's prize—

This image was captured on an frigid early January morning on the south shore of Amherst Island

when an unusual shape amidst the branches caught my eyeIt was my first time encountering a majestic Great Grey Owl

Whispers through the field