The photo of the week is from my files showing a Great Horned Owl! It was one of my “drive around looking for stuff” trips.  Driving slowly down Swayze Mill Road in Hope, just beyond Hope Township’s lake and park, I noticed a large bird perched in the tree line adjacent to a field.  I originally thought it was a Red Tailed Hawk but there was just something a little different. “Let me check this out!” 

The breast of the bird was not the usual bright white, this bird had the sun shining right on it and it still looked fairly dark, also the tail seemed kind of short and the head rather round.  I was pretty far away, couldn’t get a good look.  Parked my car along the road and stood looking into the field. “Is that an owl?” 

Let me photograph my way into the field, five paces, snap a shot and repeat the process.  I didn’t have a real powerful telephoto lens so to get close up photos I need to be somewhat close!  It became obvious this was an owl, and… a Great Horned Owl!!  I was hoping this bird wouldn’t take off!!  I got fairly close and the owl took off, again landing a little further down the field along the tree line.  The field was getting wetter so I opted to return to the car.  I took a couple of more photos and then drove off.

I rode around for a about thirty minutes and decided to return.  I am again approaching the same location and I see a couple walking their dog along the road, and I also notice the owl right above them in a tree!  What luck!!  The lighting doesn’t make for a great photo even though I am almost under the owl in my car. I open my door and bye-bye owl!  He went back across the field. 

I really enjoy this killing time, riding around looking for STUFF!

When looking at the last set of photos check out the talons!!

The Great Horned Owl is the largest of the ‘eared’ owls and is exceeded in size only by the rare Great Gray Owl.  It is one of the first birds to nest, laying its eggs as early as January!  It is a really an impressive and formidable hunter!!!

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Director Open Space
Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman
Allamuchy Historical Society – President