BRIGHTON- Colorado is a state of abundant wildlife, and springtime is the perfect time to scope out all kinds of animals -- including magnificent birds of prey, such as Great Horned Owls. It doesn't take much lately to find them in some unexpected places.
For photographer John Carr, what often goes unnoticed can be the most rewarding to photograph.
"Springtime in Colorado is just absolutely amazing," he said, as he looked up at one owl in a tree. "They're like the silent sentinels."
In one nesting area in Adams County, four young owls are under the watchful eyes of their parents.
"For them to have four, it's uncommon," he said.
Carr began watching the nest months ago, slowly documenting as the birds hatched and grew. It happened in an area that's not exactly in the middle of nowhere, but one with plenty of food around.
"They've adapted to us," he said. "We're right next to an interstate highway, there's an office building nearby."
It's that adaptability that makes the owls so accessible and puts them within eyesight of our daily lives. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said springtime is when there is an abundance of young wildlife all over the state, including Great Horned Owls and other birds of prey. Feel free to admire them, they said, but from a distance. That's the law.
"As migratory birds, they actually are protected and, so, if you have a hawk or an owl that nests near you, you cannot touch that nest," said Jennifer Churchill, spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "Once there are eggs in that nest, it is protected."
If you see a young bird on the ground, experts said do not touch it, but, rather, let it be.
"It's the time of year when those little babies are learning to fly and so baby birds may be on the ground. A lot of times, we don't need to intervene," Churchill said. "That's when they're fledgling and that's when they're coming out of the nest and they have to hop a little bit and start practicing using those wings."
John Carr sees that, as well
"They're intriguing to watch and the babies have just been so much fun to watch them grow," he said. "Respect them – and give them the opportunity to grow and live and provide a lot of beauty for us."
Here are the CPW guidelines for wildlife viewing and photography:
If you think you see an animal in distress, Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends waiting 24 hours. If that animal is still there and does not appear to be doing well, call them at (303) 291-7227.
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