Species: Long-eared Owl | Location: Boundary Bay Regional Park, Delta (British Columbia), Canada
I have a confession to make: I hesitated quite a while to submit this photo to the contest. You see, the photographer in me knows this photo is far from perfect, but the birder in me was completely thrilled to see this magnificent species for the first time. And then I thought: What is wrong with showing a bird in its natural habitat, no matter how crowded or aesthetically unpleasant? I like the fact that this photo also illustrates how this bird's camouflage is so brilliant. Indeed, since finding this bird, I have read somewhere that some believe their numbers may be underreported because they mix in so well with their surroundings. They quite literally hide in plain sight! The fact I found this bird at all is due to the fact that other birders found it before me. I would like to take this occasion to make a comment that applies to almost all of my photos, including the three submitted to this contest: None of the subjects were baited, called in or set up. I very much believe in serendipity (not to mention minimizing my impact on the birds in question).
About The Photographer
I am a lifelong birder and photographer who found his inspiration on North America's Pacific Northwest Coast (in British Columbia, Canada). Although I specialize in bird photos, I am also fascinated by all that nature can throw at me. I've even been known to be inspired by people and their constructions!Follow Pierre on Twitter: @PCenerelli
Follow Pierre on Instagram: @pierrecenerelli
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