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Finally saw the baby burrowing owls... Click here for blog post

Well, aren't they the cutest little things!? They sure are designed well--to blend in with their nesting material.

Nice depth of focus.

Thanks, Whistlinsadler.  It was very hard to spot them, but we knew kind of where to look since we'd seen the parents in the  area.  The wind was blowing quite hard at the time and I had to time my capture when that green bush was up above their heads as much as possible.  LOL

Awww, they're so cute. The second one from the right has the funniest little smirk. lol

Wonderful shot.  Way to go!

Quote from: ScottyBoy on June 17, 2010, 09:07:55 PM
Awww, they're so cute. The second one from the right has the funniest little smirk. lol

Haha Scotty, he doesn't look too impressed with me, does he?

Thank you, Judy!

This is what they look like at 9 days old...



and 3 weeks...



I'd say the ones in my original post are probably a month or so old.  More young burrowing owls, from last summer here: http://www.shekinahphotography.com/burrowingowltour

How sweet.  I am surprised that the parents let you hold them!

Great pictures!

I'm not sure I'd want to take a chance that the parents might object!   

They were probably tame birds from an aviary or something. I bet not many people actually get to hold a wild owl.

Quote from: JudyB on June 18, 2010, 01:46:07 PM
How sweet.  I am surprised that the parents let you hold them!

Great pictures!

Sorry, I guess I should've given more explaination...the ones being held are part of a study with Boise State University.  These are from a tour that I went on with them last year as part of the Birds of Prey Festival.  They are in artificial burrows.  If you click on the link at the bottom of my first post, you will see the gallery of the tour with further comments about the experience and photos of the man-made burrows.  Not just anyone can make a burrow like this, you must have a special permit.

Ahaaa  That explains it.  Wonderful opportunity!

Quote from: JudyB on June 18, 2010, 10:18:50 PM
Ahaaa  That explains it.  Wonderful opportunity!

It sure was!  I even got to hold one, but I forgot to have someone take my picture.   

That's part of the reason I was so happy to get that photo of the babies when just out looking for them.  No way to tell when they're gonna be old enough to venture out of the burrow.  When the parents first come home from migrating, you can see their burrow entrances, but by the time the babies come out, the prairie grasses are so high, it's very hard to be able to get a photo.  I think it's so cool how God planned even that, as protection for them.  I took the photo below in early spring.  See how unprotected the babies would be if they were to come out before the grass grows in so tall?  Amazing God we have...

He is amazing, indeed!

Good work!