The Patient Hunter

I’ve been fortunate to share many unforgettable moments with great gray owls, and the evening of this photograph was no exception. On the final night of a trip to the Tetons, I came across a juvenile owl perched quietly on a limb above a small marsh. Moving slowly and carefully so as not to disturb it, I managed to settle into a spot nearby while it focused intently on the hunt. For the next hour and a half, I remained in quiet observation as the owl stayed on its perch, scanning the grasses below for signs of prey. As the sun dipped below the trees behind me, its last golden light washed over the owl and the tall grasses, creating a soft, warm glow. I captured this portrait just as that final light faded—a beautiful and peaceful ending to a special encounter.