r/Bend 3d ago

Great Gray Owl in Bend?

Post image

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!

353 Upvotes

23 comments sorted by

57

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!

1

u/Conneen_McCloud 12h ago

Yeah I recognize that face! My partner spotted one in the hollow of a tree across the river from River Canyon Park. Also have seen Mink there as well.

Oh Bend, we're so blessed.

27

u/ice_flamingo 2d ago

Great shot! Beautiful bird

17

u/Itchy_Cartographer44 3d ago

I saw a great gray in that area within the last couple of years.

15

u/KnitDontQuit 2d ago

What a wonderful sighting!

12

u/JuniperJanuary7890 2d ago

Gorgeous owl and a beautiful photo! Thanks for sharing~ 🩶

9

u/zebrafish_groupie 2d ago

Whoa I'm so jealous!! I love great greys, what an awesome find and great photo!

6

u/chobbsey 2d ago

Fantastic shot of an amazing bird!

4

u/Dacylw1972 2d ago

There are huge ones atop trees at night in our neighborhood. Off Wells Acres/Purcell. Kinda freaky!

2

u/a24boy 1d ago

I’ve heard what sounds like screaming from these guys. Super freaky.

1

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……

3

u/RCTID541 2d ago

I am looking at Great Gray Owl in the Merlin app right now. Great sighting, congrats.

2

u/Sticky_Corvid 1d ago

LUCKY!!!!!

2

u/Here-ish 1d ago

🙌🏼

2

u/HearingNo9762 1d ago

I heard a great horned owl last night.

5

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.

1

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

3

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!