A Wise Old Owl

Owls have been an integral part of human culture and mythology for countless millennia, often viewed as everything from wise good-luck charms to eerie, demonic harbingers of impending death. This enduring fascination may stem from their unusual anatomy, which makes them easily stand out amongst other bird species. Owls have the incredible ability to swivel their heads nearly all the way around, they are predominantly nocturnal, can fly with an astonishing silence, and remain well-concealed thanks to their exceptional camouflage—let's not forget their wonderfully expressive faces that seem to convey their unique personalities.

After a long and exhilarating day of hiking around the stunning landscapes of Badlands National Park, I was finally headed back to my cozy camp. Driving down the winding road, I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on the incredible day I had and soaking in the breathtaking scenery surrounding me when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something truly amazing! As someone who has been passionately shooting birds for many, many years, I had not yet experienced a single encounter with owls. As I drove by, I decided to slow down and take a closer look. The lighting was perfect, casting a soft glow on the scene. The owl started to stare intently at me, probably thinking, “Who is this excited idiot staring at me?” Despite my excitement bubbling over, I took my time to compose the perfect shot. I waited patiently until the exact moment our eyes met. I quickly checked my camera settings, and then, I got the shot! Just as I captured that fleeting moment, I looked up and saw him gracefully flying away. That day in the Badlands was nothing short of awesome!

Location: Badlands National Park, South Dakota