16 Comments
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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Amazing. What luck to be there to witness that in all its violence and intimacy. We had a recent crowd of crows upset and screaming, till we saw a red tailed hawk circling. I wonder if a similar event was in the offing.

Kirk Wareham's avatar

"Hatfields and McCoys level hatred." Cracked me up.

Tremendous photos. Thanks!

Glenn Mitchell's avatar

Beautiful David. You walked us into the heart of this owl-crow relationship that is far older than any human myth. I've imagined this scene every time I've heard or observed crows mobbing an owl, but you were blessed to capture it through your lens and we are blessed to have it on our screens. Thank you. Your abiding patience and willing eye has made this possible. And thanks to Owl and Crow

Lewis Holmes's avatar

Great field work and observations, David. And such nice photos of the owls and the methodical feeding process. Such a bold daylight attack on the crow nest, kinda explains the constant harassment of owls by crows everywhere. And so sorry about the loss of the hummingbird nests, terrible to lose something so beautiful and elemental.

Bonnie Durrance's avatar

Gorgeously done. The story and photography. A joy!

Lor's avatar

I’m settling in after watching the Strawberry moon rise over the foot hills of way the hell up there in the kingdom of northern VT. And you already heard my prelude to this evening’s Hex hatch. Right now, I’m sitting out on the deck looking at Venus, and Polaris—watching your video for the third time, and yes, telling my husband: “you must watch this, it really is incredible”—“I’ll watch in the morning it’s late” (he watched it). Truly spectacular! Could my evening get any better? Without a doubt, your best, just happened to be at the right place at the right time, ever! It is simply fascinating to be able to watch the Barred feed her young. I will be watching and reading again in the morning. And, looking forward to learning more. I have a whole new appreciation for the Barred owl that often joins me on my daily hike. Once again, thank you for taking me along. What an incredible learning experience.

Sabrina Sehbai's avatar

Oh my goodness, David!!!! You had me enthralled from the first word! I was reading this on my phone as I made myself a cup of tea and literally stopped and stood still in my kitchen, my heart beating, entirely consumed with this story. Wow! You gave me the feeling of being a storyteller around a fire, and we, the lucky children who stare up, mesmerized at such a tale. Gosh, I would give anything to linger beside you on one of your walks, listening to how to listen, watching how to watch, learning how to learn. What an incredible story to witness unweaving itself before you - characters, drama, heartache, love. I loved this piece so very, very much!

Mare's avatar
11hEdited

I learn so much from your photo/stories. Who knew an owl mom still would be feeding her huge adolescent? And in such a caring way! Same as human parenting, I suppose. Your interpretation of the crows pageantry, offended but giving in to the process as though they were old knights accepting that the invader will take its token and they must just get on with it. And the wise man telling the ancient story to his wide-eyed scholars, feeding us like a momma owl, tiny morsels, and Never telling us how hard he had to work to get these photos! :-)

Margaret Tomlinson's avatar

What a story!

Teri Gelini's avatar

Sheila is right! Absolutely magical! What a thrill for you to have the opportunity to video it and take pictures. The the generosity of sharing this outstanding exploration with all of us. Thank you David.

Jann Glisson's avatar

Ditto Mark’s comments. I step away with gratitude and wonder, David. Patience is not one of my virtues - I couldn’t have engaged with and recorded the story without wanting to interrupt it. Namaste 🙏

Tom Pendergast's avatar

That must have felt pretty special. I’ll third Sheila’s comment.

Inge Blythe's avatar

Spectacular! What a thing to witness and then to capture for all of us to be able to participate in the magic. Deep gratitude 🙏

Steffany's avatar

Wow. That’s about all I can say. Pure magic as Sheila says. But also lots of practice to be this kind of magician. I’m the one who feels lucky to read and see amazing photographs of your incredible observations. Thank you David‼️

Mark Holtshousen's avatar

Astounding photos. Shows great patience and dedication and pure luck. And such a joy to read your story. Thank you for sharing.

Sheila Dunlop's avatar

Pure magic, my watchful friend!❤️