Short Eared Owls of the Finger Lakes

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 4:30 PM. The Finger Lakes of New York.

I pulled in along the edge of a quiet hay field as the light began to soften. Winter had settled over the open fields and low vegetation that reliably draw hunting raptors this time of year. A light breeze crossed the field, and everything about the evening felt right for owl activity. Earlier today, while working in Skaneateles on a floodplain project in a nearly identical hay field, a Northern Harrier passed overhead. Paired with low winds and partly cloudy skies, it was a clear sign the conditions were aligning. By late afternoon, the decision to make the drive was already made.

When I arrived, three short-eared owls were perched on round hay bales about sixty feet from the road. They sat calmly, offering exceptional close-up views. These weren’t distant silhouettes or brief fly-bys. The birds were settled, alert, and perfectly positioned.

It didn’t take long for more activity to unfold. Within minutes, additional owls began lifting off and quartering the field. In total, there were roughly ten short-eared owls present! Five or so actively flying, with several others perched on hay bales and signs around the field.

A Bald Eagle occasionally passed overhead, triggering brief territorial responses from the owls and reinforcing how contested these winter hunting grounds can be.

As the owls became comfortable with my position, the evening escalated quickly. Fly-bys became constant. At times, four owls were airborne around me at once, cutting low across the field and forcing split-second decisions on which bird to photograph. While successful hunts were rare, and territorial disputes between owls were limited, the proximity and frequency of these interactions made the experience exceptional as always.

Nights like this are exactly why I return to these sites again and again. Short-eared owls are unpredictable, fast, and demanding subjects. When everything aligns - weather, light, and bird behavior - the result is an unforgettable experience in the field.

This evening was one of those nights.

Experiences like this form the foundation of my wildlife photography workshops. Luck is always part of wildlife photography, but preparation, field time, and an understanding of bird behavior consistently put you in better positions when those moments happen. This evening was a clear reminder of why these workshops are built around preparation, patience, and being in the right place at the right time.

Interested in joining a workshop?

I offer private and small-group trips focused on photographing wildlife in their natural habitat, with tips and techniques for capturing the perfect shot. Email me at andrewhudnut247@gmail.com for upcoming dates and details, or visit my Workshops page to see what we have planned next!