Montana Hawks and Owls

[SilentBirdHunter]

This year has been a population high of voles...a record high.
Thus brood size and survival rate of owls and hawks has been high.

 

[Hem]

Fun seeing these youngsters this Spring.
They have burrows in some banks off the side of the gravel road in to my subdivision.
Oh yeah, think snow.

 

[Hammsolo]

Crap pictures from the iPhone, but my first experience with burrowing owls. They decided the report of my 17 was their dinner bell.

 

[thomas89]

Guessing this young red tail got hit by a car the other night while we were out scouting. Flew well enough, but leg was just dangling. Scooped him up but no rescues wanted him, I’m guessing because of the risk of bird flu. Was advised best thing to do was let nature take its course. Felt bad leaving him on a fence post. Figured he deserved better than being eaten by some greasy raccoon or coyote.

 

[Hammsolo]

Guessing this young red tail got hit by a car the other night while we were out scouting. Flew well enough, but leg was just dangling. Scooped him up but no rescues wanted him, I’m guessing because of the risk of bird flu. Was advised best thing to do was let nature take its course. Felt bad leaving him on a fence post. Figured he deserved better than being eaten by some greasy raccoon or coyote.

View attachment 337176

Shoot, where are you at? He’s gone now I guess. My school helps run a bird rescue. Poor guy. Solid effort!

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

This northern harrier flew right over (within a foot) the rooster pheasant to capture a vole.

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

A redtail ruffled his feathers after eating a vole.

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

A pair of northern harriers hunting voles.

 

[Bowmannate2000]

Fantastic photos!

 

[Hammsolo]

Gorgeous. I had a smaller owl of some sort buzzing around my head yesterday morning on stand. It was about 5 am and the moon was shining bright. A beautiful silent dance. I felt blessed.

 

[daltrix99]

Hell yeah bird photos! My favorite offseason activity. Here's some highlights from the last year here in Montana

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

Shorteared owl
Northern Harrier

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

Another flyby shortear

 

[Straight Arrow]

Another flyby shortear
View attachment 345466

Your photos are incredible!
Do you print them, shell them or otherwise share them?

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

Your photos are incredible!
Do you print them, shell them or otherwise share them?

Thanks, I just post them to share.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Well, thank-you for doing so. We really appreciate them.

We especially love owls. We will attempt to print some if Okay with you. ?

 

[SilentBirdHunter]

Probably the lowest light owl photo I've taken.
Before sunrise and coming right at me.

 

[gonhunting247]

Probably the lowest light owl photo I've taken.
Before sunrise and coming right at me.
View attachment 346125

This pic is amazing!

 

[Dan O]

These photos are nothing short of AWESOME!!!!!

 

[Hammsolo]

Probably the lowest light owl photo I've taken.
Before sunrise and coming right at me.
View attachment 346125

Wow