Mercey Hot Springs Owls
Mercey is known for its Long-eared Owls but in the summer the population thins out. The resident Barn Owls were in abundance though. I found 5 of them in the near 100 degree heat keeping their cool in this stand of trees.
Not many visitors this time of year… but they are thinking of raising the “birdwatching fee” to $25 from the present $5, because some folks have been staying over 5 hours staking out the owls. Most people there for the birds only linger an hour or so and I’m guessing the fee increase will keep a lot of them away.
I didn’t see this owl until it froze me in place with that spine tingling scream.
I took a quick picture and backed off. They are gorgeous birds and I was feeling a little guilty for disturbing them at all.
The famous long-ears weren’t showing in their usual numbers but this lone individual was not hard to find, obscured as it was, in the tree they always use.
Beautiful!
June 23, 2012 at 7:07 am
Your bird images continue to amaze me. Thanks for sharing the trivia as well. Z
June 23, 2012 at 7:09 am
We saw 5 long-eared owls when we visited Mercey Springs but that was in the winter. The owners were charging $10 per person at that time.
June 23, 2012 at 7:33 am
Yes I agree with everyone…your pics are stunning!
June 23, 2012 at 9:00 am
Beautiful photos.
June 23, 2012 at 9:19 am
Beautiful birds. Owls are among my favorite birds. Great photography
June 23, 2012 at 10:01 am
love these owls! great photos
June 23, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Thank you for your daily gifts. I am grateful every time you share your magnificent talent as a bird photographer among all your other talents.
June 23, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Gorgeous photos, thank you!
June 23, 2012 at 6:57 pm
superb owls, good shots!!!
June 24, 2012 at 6:52 am
A wonderful closeup of my favorite, the barn owl!
October 22, 2012 at 1:37 am
Great photos of the barn owls! No one should be watching owls for 5 hours! That is disturbance. Anytime they react to you, that means you are disturbing them. That applies to all animals.
October 30, 2012 at 7:45 am