With growing popularity of this location in the recent years, I’m receiving more and more messages asking me for information on how I’m photographing there for best results. For that reason, I’ve decided to write this guide, to help you get the most out of your visit no matter if you are the first time or regular visitor. I’ve been visiting this spot for over 10 years and worked out a simple strategy for getting the best possible photographs. I’m also sharing many tips that help me plan my outings there, where to shoot from, what to avoid, what to wear etc. 

Keep in mind that this is a wildlife refuge and you will be photographing on federal grounds. You need to obey all the rules of the park. If you are coming from other states, be warned that any kind of baiting or use of calls is strictly prohibited. Security cameras, community watch and police patrolling enforced. Any misbehavior will be quickly reported and actions will be taken against you. No jokes! With each misconduct park officials are putting more restrictions. Your cooperation and following the park regulations are a must! Otherwise, please change hobbies!

These are wild owls which are not habituated to humans! For that reason, you need to stay calm and quiet.

“Owls have keen eyesight but it is sound that helps them locate prey that is out of sight, underneath deep snow, or below layers of vegetation. The noise level generated by human visitors must be kept down. Please avoid shouting, loud car radios, beeping car alarms, loud cell phones, etc.”

Like with all wildlife, their presence and activity is not always guaranteed.

Other birds of prey that you might encounter here are: Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Rough-legged Hawk.

Heard but rarely seen: Barred Owl and Great-horned Owl.

Even though, it is possible to get close-up shots of these owls with a “smaller” telephoto lens, like 100-400mm https://www.greggard.com/blog/2021/10/short-eared-owl-banking-grasslands-ny , the longer the lens you will bring, the better. I often shoot here at 840mm or even at 1200mm on a full frame camera and I’m not always “filling the frame”.

Free tip for everybody reading until this point: the more silent you are, the closer the owls will fly to you! If you own a mirrorless camera, shoot in the electronic shutter mode and turn off the shutter sound. Once the owls start flying, do not talk and stay still! You will be amazed how much these simple steps will affect your visit. After all, owls can hear our heartbeat. Imagine if you had such sensitive hearing. Would you come close to loudly speaking group of people? Exactly!