On the Road to Grand Targhee - Great Gray Owl
20 inches high x 16 inches wide
“For many years the Great Gray Owl was my nemesis bird, the bird you know is near but you can never find. Craig and I had been seeking one these forest spirits since our honeymoon.
“On our most recent trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone, we spent the night in Driggs, Idaho. Before dinner, we decided to drive up to the ski area and see what we could find. Just past the two switchbacks above Teton Canyon, I caught a quick glimpse of something and I asked Craig to make a U-turn after a few corners. Retracing our path, the forest looked different when suddenly there was gray in the midst of the thick green-and-black woods.
“Over my cries of ‘stop, Stop, STOP!" Craig kept driving until he though it safe to turn around again. As we approached the owl, Craig parked on th opposite side for photos, using the car as a blind and allowing me to watch from within the car. Using the Sibley guide, I determined this bird was a juvenile, which was confirmed by a 'Buh-weep' call. It was quickly answered from up the slope behind us by another first-year bird, the two calling back-and forth for another five minutes before our bird took flight and went directly over the car and up the hill with a lot of calling and chittering taking place before the went farther up the hill.“What a magical day!"
“Western Visions 2026 Show and Sale”
National Museum of Wildlife Art,
Jackson, Wyo.,
September 5-27, 2026
Signature Evening Show + Sale
September 17, 2026
Learn more in the News section
All content and images on this website are copyrighted and sole property of the artist. All rights reserved.