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14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The Hunter

Great grey owls perch on relatively low tree branches, making them a photographers dream. This particular owl and another juvenile in the area were quite dedicated hunters and would search for mice and voles in the dry grass and meadows, swooping long and low before gliding back up to a suitable perch. It was seemingly unfazed by human presence and would stare right into the camera often both during flight and while scanning for prey from the pine branches.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2016
Date Uploaded: 10.2016
Photo Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X
Copyright: © Jennifer Rogers
Awards
Photo of the Day: 02.08.17
Editor's Pick