KC Choo (ARPS)

Since I began bird photography not so very long ago, I have had days when I have been able to observe a particular bird's behaviour and feeding habits. One such great encounter was with the American Dipper. This year Vancouver had a record snowfall during November, and when the first good day came along, I had a feeling that birds would be very actively hunting. That day I had the good fortune to observe, quite closely, another bird that has quickly become a favourite of mine, the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) doing just that.

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I saw the owl perching from time to time, and when they do, they are constantly looking around for prey - or glancing at photographers (Photo 1).

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But, more generally, they are in flight over open marshy country (Photo 2)

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When a prey, usually a vole in this particular area, is heard or perhaps seen, they hover for a moment before plunging down to grab the prey (Photo 3)

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Then, they either eat the prey where they find it, or take flight when another bird discovers there is food to be had (Photo 4)

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And invariably the larger bird, a Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) in this case, steals it (Photo 5)

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In my observations that morning of three Short-eared Owls and five Northern Harriers hunting over the same area, I discovered that the Owls were by far the more successful at finding prey under snow cover, confirming their superior hearing abilities. It was a most satisfying time spent that morning and I shall cherish it forever. I do hope that if you ever visit an open marshy area you will also have the opportunity to enjoy such an experience.

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Equipment Used

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• Canon 1D MkII

• Canon 500mmIS f4 lens with Canon 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters

• Canon 580EX flash with Better Beamer

• Gitzo 1348 tripod, Manfrotto 438 leveller, Wimberley Sidekick