OPENING SHOT Looking back Photo: by Ron Hayes Gear: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Settings: 1/1250 sec, f/13, ISO 1250 fter receiving an alert that aurora borealis activity would be visible in Converse County, I gathered my gear and headed east of Douglas to one of the darker spots near town. We had a great night but the real photographic gold came as a result of the drive. My son and I counted no less than 14 short-eared owls, uncommon visitors in our area, who were hunting mice on the county road. We decided to forgo sleep and were up before daybreak to see if the owls remained in the area. We were fortunate to capture images of this tolerant owl near the vehicle. It gave us some fantastic looks prior to our saying thanks and letting it go on about its day. This was another affirmation of my motto that I'd rather be lucky than good. A 6 | May 2023