16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Great Gray Owl

Great Gray Owls are among the most dramatic looking owls with their huge facial disks and piercing eyes. This photo was taken just after sunrise but still within shade with the sun hidden behind the trees in the background. The coloration under these conditions was magnificent. What makes this photo stand out among many others I took during this short period is the stare the owl is giving me. The expression in its face with those eyes fixed on me is priceless.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Massena, New York, United States of America
Copyright: © Karl Krueger