Going back in the archives about 20 months to Nov. 7, 2014, at the Ridgefield NWR, this Great Horned Owl displays its massive wing size as well as its powerful legs and talons. Note that the bird’s right foot is off of the perch leaving its full weight on the left. Since this picture was taken, the owls have mostly moved to parts of the refuge that are further from the road and/or more obscured by branches, making good photos much more difficult to get. These owls will generally stretch one wing at a time.
Canon 5D Mark III, 1/400, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm (500 + 1.4x)
