Attack!

[1981eagle]

This photo needs a little explanation -
I was stationed in Yuma, AZ from 1985 to 1988. We had some ground-burrowing owls there. I was walking back to the barracks and saw one perched on the edge of a building. I raised the camera, and snapped the photo - when I lowered the camera, the owl was gone.

A few days later I finished up the roll of film, and got it developed. Only then did I realize that a mockingbird was attacking the owl as I took the photo.

This was a small instamatic camera, and I was quite a distance away for that camera, so by the time I enlarged to a reasonable size, the picture was really grainy - sorry - but I think it's cool.

 

[jeffashman]

Yes, cool shot!

 

[slat]

Nice unexpected capture.

 

[terri]

Terrific capture! The owl was likely close to a nest or feeding grounds. Mockingbirds can be incredibly territorial, especially against a predator like this owl.

You could very likely get this one cleaned up digitally.

 

[misterjones]

Nice, and on my Rez no less. I'd like to think there was some form of ancient spiritual warfare going on but it was prolly just two birds fighting.