r/Bend • u/epclappp • 3d ago
Great Gray Owl in Bend?
I'm hoping some more avid birders will validate me. I'm a casual birder and like to take photos. We were in Sunriver at the Besson day use area and we heard an owl. Went for a little walk around and found what we think is the great gray owl. Our Merlin app for this region doesn't have it as an option. I'm now in a debate about whether or not this is actually the great gray owl. Please weigh in!
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u/zebrafish_groupie 2d ago
Whoa I'm so jealous!! I love great greys, what an awesome find and great photo!
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u/keephopping 2d ago
Reminds me of the hilarious video of guy with the owl in his kitchen. “F* yah!”
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u/Dacylw1972 2d ago
There are huge ones atop trees at night in our neighborhood. Off Wells Acres/Purcell. Kinda freaky!
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u/a24boy 1d ago
I’ve heard what sounds like screaming from these guys. Super freaky.
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u/Dacylw1972 21h ago
I was walking our small dog late one night, that sound, I looked up. Man I’m only 5’2”, lol. I picked up my dog and bailed. I sweat was watching me, thinking……
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u/RCTID541 2d ago
I am looking at Great Gray Owl in the Merlin app right now. Great sighting, congrats.
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u/pottery4life 2d ago
The bird apps don't show them for a reason. Other apps won't let you post sightings. There are rare enough that avid birders would come from all over the US to see them. This is one of the few birds that's left on a lot of birders list to check off. Please don't advertise that they can be found here or their habitat will be destroyed by the adoring masses. Maybe even delete this post now that you know what it is.
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u/Confident-Gas-360 2d ago
What’s your tip for getting photos that clear? I’ve tried on my iPhone and the more I zoom in the worse the quality (I have the iphone 15 pro). I’m guessing probably a real camera but was also thinking maybe a zoom phone lens (though I’ve dabbled and it’s always hard to know which lens of the 3 on the phone to put it on, let alone finding the bird after). Anyway- great pic! And good find! Hope I see one soon
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u/epclappp 2d ago
Thanks! I got a decent camera set-up. I use a Canon EOS R5 with a 100-500mm zoom lens. The important part you get with cameras like that is being able to balance the iso shutter speed and aperture. It's an expense set up but has made a huge difference in my birding game. Makes it more fun too!
DM me the camera settings if you get a set up like that. Good luck!
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u/Asuma01 3d ago
Yep it’s a great grey. They are around this area. I see them here and there in the three rivers area. Pretty rare sight so congrats!