Great Gray Owl nest.

When I received the following e-mail, I couldn't resist taking the 173 mile drive to get these pictures. I've been working six days a week, couldn't stay and camp. It was a four hour drive each way, to spend a hour at the nest.

[AK Birding] Great Grey Owls are back!

I just got word from Graham Ward at Tolsona Wilderness Campground.

Jean Tam
Anchorage

Here is what he said:

After a three year absence, The Great Gray Owls are nesting at Tolsona again.

The Campground opens on May 20 but you may call or email to see if we will be available on a specific day before then. The babies usually fledge during the first week of June and we can normally locate them for about a week after that.

I never know what is fair to charge but I for this year (which may be our last) I will ask from each group, $5 per person with a $20 minimum.

Graham Ward
Tolsona Wilderness Campground
Mile 173 Glenn Hwy.
P.O. Box 23
Glennallen AK 99588-0023

A wider angled view shows the nest is on top of a dead "Witches Broom." The actual nest isn't nearly as large as it first appears.

One owl was on the nest, and the other was standing guard nearby.

On the return drive we stopped for lunch, at Tex Smith Lake, mile 162 on the Glenn Hwy. I had a tip there might be a pair of Red-throated Loons on the lake. I ate my lunch rather slowly, killing time, while waiting for the loons to swim close enough, for a decent picture. Eventually they both surfaced in front of me. As soon a they saw me, they dove and reappeared in the middle of the lake. It is amazing how far loons and swim under water on a single breath.

A few shots like this one were an unbelievable bonus for the trip.

To top off the drive, I made a quick stop at the King Mountain State Campground. A few of the tiny "Fairy Slipper" orchids, Calypso bulbosa, grow in the campground. They are not at all common, and only bloom for a couple of weeks, around the end of May. This is one of the very few places I'm able to fine them.

Wonderful shots Gary!! That is great seeing the owl and nest! The loons are gorgeous too, I'm glad you were able to get a shot. Thanks so much for sharing them with us!

Well worth the trip, Gary. What an amazing sight to behold.

OMG! How fortunate you are to be able to photograph the beautiful Owls! Your pictures are fantastic! Love the Loons too. That red really stands out well. Beautiful Orchids too. I can only imagine the excitement of taking pictures like these. Thanks to your friend and to you for sharing them with us.

Wow what a great experience!!! Seems like you had a superb trip! Thanks for sharing.

Gary this is just the most wonderful thread. Thank you for sharing these fabulous photos and experiences. I was thrilled by the owl shots, amazed by the loons, and bowled over by the orchid. Owls and orchids are two of my favorite things and those loons didn't even look real. Really great!

I would have drove that far too for shots of those Loon's, their beautiful Grasmussen!!

Hello Gary,

Lovely pics! The only time I've ever seen an Owl is a Snowy Owl at our local park's nature center. Everytime I visit I always make the trip to see him. Poor thing is old and blind in one eye and he sits on a perch inside. Once in awhile they will allow it to be outside in a protected location. Owls...such a wonderful bird!
Your Loon pic is wonderful too :D

Gary, congratulations. Glad you were able to get some photos of the owls after driving 170 miles. I really like your photos of the Red-throated Loons (breeding plumage).