The same week that I photographed the Snowy Owl on the shore of Lake Ontario at the Newcastle Marina, I also saw my first Great Gray Owl. It was north of Whitby and many birders and photographers had reported sightings on a country road. On 2 previous occasions the very cold temperatures and windy conditions had sent me the 40 miles back home without seeing the G.G.O. This time I was prepared with warmer clothing and a longer timeline.
Others saw the Great Gray before I did. He or she was way off in the distance along the treeline but eventually came up to the side of the road and landed in a tree. My telephoto lens wasn’t long enough for the distance shots and was too long for the owl in flight shots (also I was not quick enough!) On the positive side, the late afternoon sun was behind me and provided interesting lighting for my “perched” shots.
Great Gray Perched
Great Gray Eyeing the Photographers
Great Gray with Setting Sunlight
Look me in the Eye(s)
Not my best flight shot but the only one
Jane Walker's Cards 
As usual your photos are gorgeous.
Tim
I appreciate that you took then time to look at them and glad to that you liked them.
Remarkable Jane!
Glad you liked these owl shots. Now I’ll be searching for the “short eared owl”. I have yet to see one of those….I have a “bucket list” of birds and owls.
HI Jane!
Wow, Wow.! What fantastic shots of the Grey Owl….Sometimes it pays to wait out the cold.
I love the ” taking flight shot” of him/her. The blurred rippling of his wings, I think capture the strength and majesty of the bird….:),
Debbie Jeans
Thank you, Debbie. It is one magnificent creature and the dark colours with the yellow eyes seem to look right through you.
You may not have had the Lens you wanted at the time, but the results are fantastic! Even the blurred shot reveals exaggerated motion. To some this is itself… pure unspoiled beauty.
Such encouraging words from someone who is so talented and shares so many wonderful images. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share the flight image but now I’m glad that I did!
Beautiful shots of a magnificent creature.
Jane the pictures are so beautiful. I have forwarded them onto to my friends in BC. so that they can enjoy them as well.
I hope they do enjoy them. Thanks!
Wow! Those are terrific shots! You are so lucky to have seen him.
For many years I hoped to see this type of owl. They certainly are magnificent.
Wow Beautiful photography Jane, that Owl is a beauty. Take care,
Thanks so much, Shirley, for taking the time to look at my blog and to comment.
What an amazing bird and so miraculous you got those pictures. I know in reality the eyes on that bird are merely sizing up the environment for it’s next meal, but if feels like the owl is looking into your soul knowing something that you don’t. Mystical!
Thanks for sharing this.
It was quite an experience and I have always hoped to see this creature. Going back to where it had been seen by others paid off.
These are just wild!
~Mike
I know you aren’t old enough yet to be “into birds” so thanks for taking the time to see the post and to comment!
Those are great shots. I think you should be very pleased. You actually had a pretty good winter for spotting new birds and mammals. Judy
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:52:12 +0000 To: judy.metcalf@hotmail.ca
You’re right, Judy. I have been able to cross a few creatures off my “bucket list” of birds and mammals this winter. Thanks.
Wow !!! Magnificent photos ! I’m so happy for you that you could see this owl, another one to add to your list 🙂 Super and beautiful, and I love the one in flight too 🙂
Oops… Superb and beautiful 🙂