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Created in triumphant, majestic beauty, nature exists as a severe courtesan. Perhaps the sharpness of her expression is the counterweight that makes her visions so memorable.

Take, for example, this Mexican Spotted Owl. She is powerful, yet exposed, as she looks towards her two owlets nestled in a hallow branch across the wash. In her talons, hidden in this image, is a decapitated squirrel she has caught for their meal. I was blessed to witness her care for her young over three weeks. It was one of the higher privileges of my life.

Spending time observing her behavior made me feel closer to her and her young ones. Which is why it hurt when, after a three-day hiatus, I went to visit her to find the family gone. I will never know what for sure what happened. I know that one day, I arrived to see one of the babies missing. And then, I imagine, the other fell prey to a predator. Or they may have fallen from their nest. All I know is that for three weeks they were there, and then they were not.

It was a blessing to have those few weeks together. Even more so to have captured moments of that time in photos. Nature may be a harsh mistress, but she provides many rewards to those that spend time with her. I thank my God daily for the privilege of bearing witness to the miracle of this world. I remain His scribe.

Mexican Spotted Owl
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com

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Shoot date: June 28, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
¹⁄₅₀₀ sec at f/8.0 Bias:0 EV
Lens: EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM +1.4x III
ISO: 1000