Though it’s just the start of winter here in Montana, the unseasonably warm December we’re experiencing makes me think of spring. This female great gray owl is sitting on her chicks in the nest, protecting them from an unexpected snow storm. I shot this on June 15th in the Bridger Mountains not far from my home. The day before the forest floor was void of any snow, glacier lilies were in full bloom, and the forest was alive with the sounds of summer.
It took me many years to understand you need to start looking early if you want to keep up with the great gray owl. January brings a rush of courtship behavior, and they typically spend several weeks looking for a good mate. This mother’s three chicks all grew to be fledglings.
For more information on the wonders of great gray owls, and all other owl species for that matter, visit the Owl Research Institute. Denver Holt, founder of ORI, is a good friend and has dedicated his life to the science and conservation of owls. You can DONATE to the Owl Research Institute by following this link. Please make sure you tell them the crew from Natural Exposures suggested you get involved.