Because the short-eared owl nests on the ground, a drought in east central South Dakota during 2020 provided the perfect opportunity to capture these lower flying hunters.

This group favored a three square mile area for an entire season. It didn't matter which day Bill showed up, they took to the air like clockwork. As the sun went down, they began to hunt and put on their show. Typically four or five of them would cruise the dried up marsh, providing hours of entertainment and photo opportunities. Fortunately for Bill, the group was oblivious to him sitting along the road in his vehicle. If he held still long enough, they would cruise right along side the windows.