STRIX NEBULOSAGreat Grey Owl Photography
Great Grey Owls are among the most impressive owls I’ve had the opportunity to photograph. I’ve travelled to both Canada and the United States in search of these remarkable birds, with most of my encounters and photographs coming from time spent in Canada.
One thing that has particularly struck me is how remarkably tolerant of people the Great Grey Owls I’ve encountered have been. Unlike many of the owl species I photograph, they have sometimes appeared almost indifferent to my presence, allowing for some extraordinary encounters simply by remaining still and letting the birds dictate the interaction.
On one particularly memorable occasion, a Great Grey Owl flew in and landed almost at my feet before catching prey just a few metres away. It then carried its catch away, presumably back towards a waiting female on the nest. Being able to witness such natural behaviour at incredibly close range, without approaching or influencing the bird, was a remarkable experience.
As with all of my owl photography, careful observation and good fieldcraft are central to my approach, with the welfare of the bird always coming before the photograph.
The gallery below brings together some of my favourite Great Grey Owl images from Canada and the United States, all photographed ethically and without baiting.
