Great Horned Owl

As I rounded a corner on the northern loop of the Bosque del Apache last month, I spotted the unmistakable silhouette of a great horned owl. It was thrilling to see this magnificent bird–so much so I caught my breath, hit the brake, and poked my lens out the window in a vain attempt to get a shot in moonlight.
While quickly reviewing my super dark shots it dawned on me that I could situate my car in such a way that my headlight just might provide enough illumination to be able to document the details in his face. Lo and behold, after shifting the angle of my car by just 30 or so degrees, there was just enough light to capture this handheld image. (Aren’t the fuzzy puffs around his talons a fine detail?)
I love the mysterious presence of these creatures. Their lessons of patient, quiet observance are something I need to pay more attention to.
Thank you, Owl, for allowing me the gift of being able to clearly see you!
Photo Credits: Great Horned Owl by Susan J. Preston, Bosque del Apache, NM © 2019, all rights reserved
Technical: Fuji XT-3 | 323.2 (XF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR) | 1/5 sec | f5.4 | ISO 10,000