Looking for that elusive owl and then finding three is the perfect metaphor for life. We are always looking for something in life and sometimes we come up empty. Those who are patient and involve others in their journey become wise and realize that life is about sharing your goals. Love your message Omar.
Omar this was a masterpiece! I have followed you for a while and knew you had a great sense of humor..you seem such a nice guy as well..and a pretty darn good photographer. I found this video to be heartwarming as well as inspirational as to just go out and take pictures,. You showed that there is SO much we may all miss in searching for just ONE thing..not only just searching for an owl..but this can pertain to life itself. We may miss all the great LITTLE things we didn't even know were there right in front of us all along. It was nice not hear about the gear for once on a photography channel. :) I am not sure if it was the music, the owl(s) or just how you put this thing together but, haha I actually kinda teared up at one point..I must be losing it lol. Anyway this was truly special...even for non photographers I would think, GREAT job!
Same sentiment here, and teary eyes. Omar has such a welcoming personality. Just seeing that his family, wife and friend, accompany him on the whim of finding an owl is heartwarming.
A very satisfying video and good pacing and storytelling. As a kid (growing up in NJ, btw) I had moments where I was obsessed by finding wildlife. One day I was looking out the big window in our family room and looked at a tree in the yard and saw several owls sitting there. I basically freaked out. Ran to the local supermarket, bought beef stew meat, ran to the backyard, tied the meat to a string and tossed it out toward the tree. The owls pounced on the meat and then were like "wtf?" when they realized it wasn't a nice, warm-blooded mouse but a weird, cold cube of meat. Your video brought back that memory but also made me want to get back into the woods.
This video and your story is sooooo good!! I began bird photography 1 1/2 years ago during Covid. It has brought so much joy and enrichment to my life. It has helped me slow down and be more observant. And while I’m out I too take photos of other things that capture my attention. This winter my challenge was the short-eared owl. I spent many cold nights stalking that owl. Thanks for this awesome story and video!
Birding Tip: never disclose nest locations, not out of pride but protection. Once word gets out the cellphone zombies will come running and can disturb the nest site, sometimes to the point parents become aggressive or abandon juveniles. So happy for you on your first owl encounter!
Such a beautiful photo "quest" story, told with great humour and heart. Highly relatable, given that, even as a seasoned pro, you're exploring a branch of photography here where you first have to find your bearings, or rather, your owl. Totally loved it, and the tangible sense of your joy at finally having found it. And of the whole journey having been absolutely worth it.
I'm glad it took 2 years...and I'm glad the day you found one, two then three that someone you love was beside you to experience it as well. I don't care if that sounds stupid...it's true
Posted an hour ago and 63 comments already! Fame has its rewards and costs. Great job Omar. The look on your face at the end can only be described as pure joy. It is the journey that matters after all 🦉
That’s amazing. I just started my birding journey and am also looking for owls. I think you still have a reason to continue your quest, not because Mo spotted them, but because it would also be nice to find an adult!
Congrats on finding and photographing 3 owls. I too have been trying to find an owl (only been trying for 6 months). I'm encouraged that I will spot one soon. Thanks for sharing.
You make my day Omar. Love your videos and straightforward approach to your workflow. Thanks for sharing. It's very much appreciated. Keep 'em coming...hoo-hoo! We have one or two that live somewhere close to us as I always hear them at night or early morning. Now I'll think of your 2-year journey.
And thats what photography is all about! Watching this video gave me the same feeling I get when going out with just me and my camera. Loved your video Omar! thank you
Loved this documentary about your owl-quest. It was very relatable as I’m regurarly on a quest for an illusive bird or shot and finding those can take years. I found it very lovely to see your joy because finding ones ‘owl’ is a great occasion. Your channel is a gem on TH-cam, it often makes my day. Your ‘not an owl’-shots were amazing.
I am at the start of year 2 into this same exact journey! Newish photographer with a xt3 and the xf70-300 lens with x1.4 teleconverter near Boston. In my naïveté, I thought I’d get the telephoto lens last spring and somehow owl photos would just happen! Unfortunately the tools don’t make the photograph. I haven’t given up yet and it can be defeating. BUT, much like you it slowed me down, made me a better photographer, and I have taken plenty of other photographs I am proud of along the way. Glad to see I’m not alone, especially when I am in the company of a photographer I respect and admire.
I have a special place in my heart for owls. My Nana and Mom just adored owls and we had all different types and pictures of owls all over our house. Now I have that same feeling about owls and I think I will start my trek looking for an owl to shoot, but I hope it does not take me 2 years like it has taken you. I have a feeling it wont take me that long as I live in Edmonton Alberta and its a 3.5 hour drive West or South West to Jasper and Banff National Parks and all the areas in between. Great video Omar and thank you for the kick in the rear to get out there and look. Wish me luck!!!
Omar this story telling just warms my heart and those moments when you find the unexpected is always priceless..thank you for sharing 😊🙏 always fascinated by expressions great vid bro! ☺️👌
Brilliant you found three. I'm sure that had you found one on the first day, it would not have been as satisfying or memorable as it was after two years of commitment and not giving up. Hats off to you Sir!
Congratulations on the owl spot, they are great to see in the wild. I like to hear them at night. Also, thank you for the explanation of roosting, "it's like hanging out." I'll use that this weekend as I'm meeting a few friends in a bar. Nothing like roosting with friends in a bar at the weekend. Not sure if that sounds right?
That's awesome Omar! What a wonderful story and video. I can't stop smiling thinking of how you put in the time and effort, stuck to it and were able to capture not just one owl but three. Love your videos, keep doing you. Congrats!
Such wholesome positive content, even tho I knew what was going to happen, I still got excited when you saw the Owl. You get that Owl Omar! Man, I feel better now 😊
That's a great point about how you should have a goal when going out photographing, but you really have to remember to enjoy the process and the moments whether or not you see the owl.
Yay!!! Congrats on funding your owl! Great shots too! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a wild Barred Owl a few times, as well as a wild Snowy Owl. So majestic. The Great Grey is my bucket list owl to get a shot of!
Ooohhh Omar, poor Family. In the car they looked as excited and happy as in a bus tour to Pitsburg… But again a great video and good luck for your next Owls!
Wow, wowwww. What a story, congrats! I am a crazy birder too. I can fully appreciate your quest and happiness finding them. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
Enjoyed that! When I’m out looking for a particular bird I’ve found that the true reward, whether you see it or not, is just being out in the wildness. Understand you wanted to find your own owl but with the Audubon app you can search locations for recent sightings to increase your odds. I spent many hours in the woods growing up and rarely saw an owl! Happy for ya!😁
I love this video! I'm so happy you found your owls with a little help from Moe. I saw 3 Snowy owls this winter but have yet to find the owls that I can hear nearby. I will keep trying and enjoying the wonder of nature.
Omar this video hit home for me as I often go to Bombay Hook ( NWR ) which is part of The Atlantic Flyway…….A sort of like resting place for migrating birds as they fly up and down the East Coast in changing Seasons. I go there often very often in fact, multiple times a week to shoot landscape and wildlife. My quest over the last 4 years has included my desire to find a photograph an owl….. I’m not fussy, ANY OLE OWL WILL DO….. still no luck b……….bbbbbbbuuuuutttt, your video has given me HOPE……the QUEST-continues…..I’m not giving up on this one. RustyIronMike👍👍👍👍👍
Spotting owls can be difficult and frustrating, but, boy, when you spot one it's such a thrill. I've had luck sometimes, even having them stick around and pose. Owls are my favorite birds.
Awesome brother!! It is a great sight, I remember my first time a couple of months ago seeing a Barred Owl.. two years 3 Owls, not bad!! GOD have you a gift for your consistency..😊 welcome to the big that is wildlife and nature photography… This will be the worm hole..😊 great content, thank you for sharing, really cool family and friend!! GOD bless!! 📷
Great video and great pics Omar!! I was walking my dog along a small town street one quiet night. Suddenly this big tawny owl came floating silently from behind, swinging slightly below the street lights. Awsome sight!
Looking for that elusive owl and then finding three is the perfect metaphor for life. We are always looking for something in life and sometimes we come up empty. Those who are patient and involve others in their journey become wise and realize that life is about sharing your goals. Love your message Omar.
I loved the way you put this video together. It was like watching a mini documentary. Great story telling.
Maaan, this was way beyond a photography channel-type video. It was like a drama movie, an inspirational one! Glad you found your "owl".
Omar this was a masterpiece! I have followed you for a while and knew you had a great sense of humor..you seem such a nice guy as well..and a pretty darn good photographer. I found this video to be heartwarming as well as inspirational as to just go out and take pictures,. You showed that there is SO much we may all miss in searching for just ONE thing..not only just searching for an owl..but this can pertain to life itself. We may miss all the great LITTLE things we didn't even know were there right in front of us all along. It was nice not hear about the gear for once on a photography channel. :) I am not sure if it was the music, the owl(s) or just how you put this thing together but, haha I actually kinda teared up at one point..I must be losing it lol. Anyway this was truly special...even for non photographers I would think, GREAT job!
Same sentiment here, and teary eyes. Omar has such a welcoming personality. Just seeing that his family, wife and friend, accompany him on the whim of finding an owl is heartwarming.
A very satisfying video and good pacing and storytelling. As a kid (growing up in NJ, btw) I had moments where I was obsessed by finding wildlife. One day I was looking out the big window in our family room and looked at a tree in the yard and saw several owls sitting there. I basically freaked out. Ran to the local supermarket, bought beef stew meat, ran to the backyard, tied the meat to a string and tossed it out toward the tree. The owls pounced on the meat and then were like "wtf?" when they realized it wasn't a nice, warm-blooded mouse but a weird, cold cube of meat. Your video brought back that memory but also made me want to get back into the woods.
Being present in the moment like this is such an enjoyable way to take photographs
Maybe your next goal could be to find a unicorn 😅
This is what is internet made for. You are a very talented storyteller and photographer. Very heartwarming video!
This video and your story is sooooo good!! I began bird photography 1 1/2 years ago during Covid. It has brought so much joy and enrichment to my life. It has helped me slow down and be more observant. And while I’m out I too take photos of other things that capture my attention. This winter my challenge was the short-eared owl. I spent many cold nights stalking that owl. Thanks for this awesome story and video!
Birding Tip: never disclose nest locations, not out of pride but protection. Once word gets out the cellphone zombies will come running and can disturb the nest site, sometimes to the point parents become aggressive or abandon juveniles.
So happy for you on your first owl encounter!
...and stay off railroad tracks!
Such a beautiful photo "quest" story, told with great humour and heart. Highly relatable, given that, even as a seasoned pro, you're exploring a branch of photography here where you first have to find your bearings, or rather, your owl. Totally loved it, and the tangible sense of your joy at finally having found it. And of the whole journey having been absolutely worth it.
Great video, great music, great outcome. Reminds me of that quote: “It is better to travel with anticipation than to arrive.”
Omar, your storytelling was great here - I felt it was a documentary! Keep up the great work!
I'm glad it took 2 years...and I'm glad the day you found one, two then three that someone you love was beside you to experience it as well. I don't care if that sounds stupid...it's true
Absolutely loved this! I loved that the whole family got involved, including Uncy Moe.
I think this might be my favorite TH-cam video, ever. I know all those feelings. From that first attempt to the joy of "at last". Great video. Thanks!
Posted an hour ago and 63 comments already! Fame has its rewards and costs. Great job Omar. The look on your face at the end can only be described as pure joy. It is the journey that matters after all 🦉
Man, I love your videos. The storytelling videos always make me emotional.
Thank you Omar. Your videos are bright spots in my week that help me keep going over the obstacles. This was a beauty.
This was lovely. Thank you for sharing your joy and excitement.
Congrats on not giving up! For me, this is the most elusive, difficult and rewarding style of photography. Now keep going!
That’s amazing. I just started my birding journey and am also looking for owls. I think you still have a reason to continue your quest, not because Mo spotted them, but because it would also be nice to find an adult!
Congrats on finding and photographing 3 owls. I too have been trying to find an owl (only been trying for 6 months). I'm encouraged that I will spot one soon. Thanks for sharing.
This is beautiful. Thank you Omar for reminding me to enjoy what I do find and what I do have.
Aw! Of all your wonderful videos, this is my favorite!
You make my day Omar. Love your videos and straightforward approach to your workflow. Thanks for sharing. It's very much appreciated. Keep 'em coming...hoo-hoo! We have one or two that live somewhere close to us as I always hear them at night or early morning. Now I'll think of your 2-year journey.
Yay Omar! Beautiful video. Thanks for making our day!
What a beautiful story Omar, thank you for sharing it with us.
And thats what photography is all about! Watching this video gave me the same feeling I get when going out with just me and my camera. Loved your video Omar! thank you
Such a beautiful an meaningful story. Congrats Omar!
Man I really enjoyed this Omar well done, quality family time while searching for your owl priceless !
Man, just watching this video made me want to go out and see what's out there. Awesome video. Thank you Omar!
Loved this documentary about your owl-quest. It was very relatable as I’m regurarly on a quest for an illusive bird or shot and finding those can take years.
I found it very lovely to see your joy because finding ones ‘owl’ is a great occasion. Your channel is a gem on TH-cam, it often makes my day.
Your ‘not an owl’-shots were amazing.
I am at the start of year 2 into this same exact journey! Newish photographer with a xt3 and the xf70-300 lens with x1.4 teleconverter near Boston. In my naïveté, I thought I’d get the telephoto lens last spring and somehow owl photos would just happen! Unfortunately the tools don’t make the photograph. I haven’t given up yet and it can be defeating. BUT, much like you it slowed me down, made me a better photographer, and I have taken plenty of other photographs I am proud of along the way. Glad to see I’m not alone, especially when I am in the company of a photographer I respect and admire.
Well done Omar! A gorgeous and satisfying outcome. I tend to think that you appreciated it so much more because of the effort involved :-)
Great little mini-doc! Thanks for sharing your journey.
Truly mystical! Congratulations!
I love everything about this video! You are a great story teller. I was so sad in the beginning, but my heart smiled when I saw the three owls.
Whooo...amazing. Owls are spectacular birds! Happy you say your first owl in the woods.
Never in my half century on this planet have I seen an owl in the wild. Heard bunches, just never seen.
Congrats on reaching your goal.
Cool video
What a great lighthearted video! Keep up the good work!
I have a special place in my heart for owls. My Nana and Mom just adored owls and we had all different types and pictures of owls all over our house. Now I have that same feeling about owls and I think I will start my trek looking for an owl to shoot, but I hope it does not take me 2 years like it has taken you. I have a feeling it wont take me that long as I live in Edmonton Alberta and its a 3.5 hour drive West or South West to Jasper and Banff National Parks and all the areas in between. Great video Omar and thank you for the kick in the rear to get out there and look. Wish me luck!!!
Omar a wonderful story. Indeed you are an inspiration.
I am understanding you. First time I've seen owls since childhood was a few days ago. My happiness was overwhelming :)
Omar, that is one of your best ever videos. Loved all your 'not an owl' pics too!
ahhh that is super cute! Well done for persevering & sharing these shots with us. Bless xx Take care
Thanks for sharing, Omar! This made my day 🙏
Really enjoyed following along this journey, and psyched for you to finally find your owl!
Amazing! 👏👏👍🏼Great story, thank you for sharing!!❤️ And the pics are B-E-A-U-TIFUL!
That's so satisfying. Enjoyed your content as always. 😊
Omar this story telling just warms my heart and those moments when you find the unexpected is always priceless..thank you for sharing 😊🙏 always fascinated by expressions great vid bro! ☺️👌
You really made a moving story out of it. Thank you! 😌
This was definitely one of your better videos (and they are ALL good). I really enjoyed it.
What a wonderful video. Life is certainly about the journey and not the destination.
Simply awesome Omar. I am very happy for you 👍🏾
Brilliant you found three. I'm sure that had you found one on the first day, it would not have been as satisfying or memorable as it was after two years of commitment and not giving up. Hats off to you Sir!
Not looked at your stuff recently. You are always a joy pal x
Congratulations on the owl spot, they are great to see in the wild. I like to hear them at night. Also, thank you for the explanation of roosting, "it's like hanging out." I'll use that this weekend as I'm meeting a few friends in a bar. Nothing like roosting with friends in a bar at the weekend. Not sure if that sounds right?
Awesome. Fab video. Two years of fruitless search totally justified by this video with the awesome payoff of seeing 3 owls!! ❤
That's awesome Omar! What a wonderful story and video. I can't stop smiling thinking of how you put in the time and effort, stuck to it and were able to capture not just one owl but three. Love your videos, keep doing you. Congrats!
Very good video man . Was good to see you enjoying photography. Great job.
Great reminder Omar.
And very enjoyable video. Congratulations on getting your owl.
great vid. really encompasses the joy of wildlife photography and photography as a whole. I see so much more since taking up this amazing hobby
Once again a video that makes oneself feel better, so thanks Omar...
Love your channel, Omar !
A joyful video! Thanks.
Wonderful, and such joy!
That is so positive! Thanks for sharing this
Such wholesome positive content, even tho I knew what was going to happen, I still got excited when you saw the Owl.
You get that Owl Omar!
Man, I feel better now 😊
Great video Omar, thank you so much..
YEAH!!!!!!!! Great Story :) :) ThankYou for taking me along :) :)
Reminds me of the Steve Martin and Jack Black movie about birding.
HA! You did it. x3! So exciting! Still, the gorgeous B-roll bird photos were well worth delayed gratification.
WOW! how cool is this? It was worth the pursuit my friend. They are extremely elusive! and wow! nice shots!
What a lovely video. As a Welshman, it was nice to see the Welsh connection in your part of the woods.
Its nice that you appreciate nature. The many wonders. Its good a feeling.
That's a great point about how you should have a goal when going out photographing, but you really have to remember to enjoy the process and the moments whether or not you see the owl.
Yay!!! Congrats on funding your owl! Great shots too! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a wild Barred Owl a few times, as well as a wild Snowy Owl. So majestic. The Great Grey is my bucket list owl to get a shot of!
Amazing video Omar. Deserves an award 😊😊😊
So happy for you, and your family seemed happy to be with you too.
What a story Omar I love this one good work!!!!
Ooohhh Omar, poor Family. In the car they looked as excited and happy as in a bus tour to Pitsburg… But again a great video and good luck for your next Owls!
Beautiful story w/happy ending and “journey” lesson. Nice. Roosting = hanging out😁.
It’s the journey that matters, and the quality time you get while discovering many more exciting new things. Great video sir👍
Wow, wowwww. What a story, congrats! I am a crazy birder too. I can fully appreciate your quest and happiness finding them. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
Congrats man awesome journey!!!
Great video, nice story, full of soul, thanks sharing with us. I really love your channel and your way of telling stories.
I wish I had your resolve, Omar. This was wonderful.
Hahah I absolutely loved this! So glad you found your owl
Worth the wait, you found a whole parliament of owls. And you didn't have to camp out in the forest overnight! Nice video Omar.
Enjoyed that! When I’m out looking for a particular bird I’ve found that the true reward, whether you see it or not, is just being out in the wildness. Understand you wanted to find your own owl but with the Audubon app you can search locations for recent sightings to increase your odds. I spent many hours in the woods growing up and rarely saw an owl! Happy for ya!😁
I love this video! I'm so happy you found your owls with a little help from Moe. I saw 3 Snowy owls this winter but have yet to find the owls that I can hear nearby. I will keep trying and enjoying the wonder of nature.
Congratulations on finding the owls, great photos! Quite the journey
That is so awesome. I have been on the same quest.
Love the Great Horned Owlets. Nice job.
Omar this video hit home for me as I often go to Bombay Hook ( NWR ) which is part of The Atlantic Flyway…….A sort of like resting place for migrating birds as they fly up and down the East Coast in changing Seasons. I go there often very often in fact, multiple times a week to shoot landscape and wildlife. My quest over the last 4 years has included my desire to find a photograph an owl….. I’m not fussy, ANY OLE OWL WILL DO….. still no luck b……….bbbbbbbuuuuutttt, your video has given me HOPE……the QUEST-continues…..I’m not giving up on this one.
RustyIronMike👍👍👍👍👍
Spotting owls can be difficult and frustrating, but, boy, when you spot one it's such a thrill. I've had luck sometimes, even having them stick around and pose. Owls are my favorite birds.
I like the sleeping owl. So happy you found them...they looked so intent looking at you, like "Take the picture already Man!!!!" :)
Awesome brother!! It is a great sight, I remember my first time a couple of months ago seeing a Barred Owl.. two years 3 Owls, not bad!! GOD have you a gift for your consistency..😊 welcome to the big that is wildlife and nature photography… This will be the worm hole..😊 great content, thank you for sharing, really cool family and friend!! GOD bless!! 📷
Great video and great pics Omar!! I was walking my dog along a small town street one quiet night. Suddenly this big tawny owl came floating silently from behind, swinging slightly below the street lights. Awsome sight!
Fantastic ...well done !