Great Grey Owl Behavior (1 Viewer)

[sillyak]

I have a question for those who are familiar with Great Grey Owl behavior.

I have seen these owls several times, mostly flying across the road late at night, but I have also seen them perched during the day in the woods.

The question I have is I am a member of a local Facebook bird group. The most "liked" photos of all time on that group are from one guy, who has several times captured photos of Great Grey Owls flying directly towards the camera, in perfect lighting. He gets several of these shots of different owls each winter, consistently.

I don't want to sound like a jealous hater, but how on earth is that not a once in a lifetime event? A perching owl leaving its perch to fly directly towards you (literally 0 degrees off center) in perfect light.

Is that possible? I suspect they are baited, but don't want to sound like a jealous prick.

 

[Maroon Jay]

It is possible that he is baiting them.

 

[KC Foggin]

I sure wish I was that fortunate when it comes to finding and capturing an Owl.

 

[Ignatius]

It is possible that he is baiting them.

Indeed.

Personally I consider that to be an unethical practise both on the photography level and on the level of human-wildlife interaction. YMMV of course.

 

[Homo sibiricus]

Is not a fact. GGO often gather together in confined areas and hunt in such a way that several birds can be seen at once. In addition, Ggo usually allows people to come within close range. If a person is experienced and persistent and knows good lands where owls hunt every year, then anything is possible.