Species: Pygmy Owl | Location: Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
Our Nat Hab group were on the Salto Grande Hike in Patagonia when we came across a Pygmy Owl on a tree branch near the trail. Several of us stopped and quietly sat down on the trail and watched as it calmly searched the surroundings for a meal. It was quite something seeing it focus on an area, several times preparing to launch in different directions and then relax again. Then, without warning the Pygmy Owl took flight and captured a small rodent about 20 feet away from us. Luckily I was somewhat ready and was able to capture the owl in flight as it focused on the target. In what seemed to be milliseconds, with the prey grasped in its talons, the beautiful bird quietly flew over to a nearby tree.
About The Photographer
I started with an Instamatic 100 and enjoyed photography from the start. 60 years later I still enjoy the challenges of being at the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment, with the right settings for the right photograph.Vote for this photo in the Nat Hab's 2024 Guest Photo Contest People’s Choice Awards! You can vote once per day, and each time you vote you’ll be entered for the chance to win a $500 Visa Gift Card or a $500 WWF Donation.