I love owls.  When I walk the trails, I am always on the look out for them.  I know they are out there watching me but I can never find them.  This is why I got so excited when I saw a great grey; sitting on a fence post, out in the open.  

We were coming back from Nordegg after spending the day there.  I saw the owl and hoped it would remain there while found a spot to turn around.

It was a beautiful sight.  We pulled over and grabbed the camera gear.  The owl didn't mind being the center of attention.  In fact, it put on a show.

As we watched, it sensed movement in the tall grass.  It's head moved from side to side.  After a few moments the owl dived into the grass.  It grabbed lunch and flew back up to the fence post.  We witnessed the hunt, the catch and the consumption of a large rodent.  

The owl devoured the mouse.  When all was said and done, it looked like it had a big smile of satisfaction on its face.

What a wonderful experience to see this beautiful bird in the wild.  Just to see it was amazing but to see it in hunting mode was a once in a lifetime experience.