06/06/2026
The suspense is over.
We all have once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
I have had quite a few during a lifetime of traveling in the bush.
But this one...this one right here takes the cake.
Still have goosebumps.
Something in the back of my teeny, tiny brain told me this afternoon to put aside my work and get the hell to the cabin. 7 days off from the day job so far. And only an hour or 2 spent in the woods. In 2 days, the miserable headset goes back on. And the circus begins all over again.
But I ignored the voice. Kept engraving and building awards.
The voice would not shut up though. It kept saying "Go now!"
I caved. I went.
T'was a beautiful drive on the ATV.
But since it was extra bright, I didn't expect to have much luck with photos. That was ok though. A bit of time clearing the head was much needed.
I arrived at the cabin and slowly walked in the footpath. I always take my time. I never know when there might be waterfowl in the pond close to shore. As I approached the ramp that I made to get up to the deck, I noticed something at the very top. At first, it looked like animal droppings. But as I got closer, I could see fur and what seemed like bits of bones. Owl pellets? Hmmmm... Perhaps.
An owl pellet is a dense, regurgitated mass of indigestible prey remains, such as bones, fur, feathers, and teeth. Because owls lack teeth and swallow their meals whole or in large pieces, their digestive system compacts these hard materials in the gizzard before spitting them out through the beak.
I walked up the ramp for a closer look. But I had this weird feeling that I was being watched.
HOLY 💩!!
When I looked to the right, I made instant eye contact with the most beautiful thing I have seen in my life. This stunning Great Horned Owlet was sitting TEN FEET AWAY (I kid you not ) watching my every move.
HOLY 💩!!!!
What the hell should I do?? Just stand there and take it all in? Or try to get myself into a position for some photos? It was insanely close to me. And my camera had the 400mm lens attached. So, I'm not even sure if I could focus properly from such a short distance with a telephoto lens. Then I remembered the specs of that great piece of glass and how the close focusing distance was actually pretty good. So, what the hell. I slowly started to back down the ramp until I managed to hide myself around the edge of the cabin. I snuck a peak. And he was still there, swinging his head from side to side. Then there were the massive amounts of mosquitos. This is the first trip in when they have been so bad. I was surrounded. The dragonflies haven't hatched out yet to feast on them.
I had a decision to make.
It was now or never.
I gritted my teeth and allowed the mosquitos to chew on me.
I lifted the camera to my eye and set the zoom to where it should be.
Then I peeked around the corner again.
He turned his head and stared right at me as if to say "Look pal. I have waited long enough. Do your thing so I can get back to mama." (mama was at the top of a tree wayyyyyy off in the distance).
So, I did my thing.
I said thank you.
And he flew away.
And I walked up on the deck.
And I sat there in disbelief.
Blown away.
Once-in-a-lifetime.
Never before.
Never again.
Dad always talked about the Great Horned Owls he would see in there. I have seen them many times as well. But never in photo op situations. And never an owlet. The chances of encountering a baby like this are one in a......million maybe?
I dunno.
But.........gotcha!
That little voice that kicked me in the arse to get down there?
Thanks dad.
❤️🦉
