While recently out bird watching on Lake Michigan, photographer Steve Spitzer was able to capture something most of us probably didn’t realize ever happened: an owl swimming.
The great horned owl was escaping attack from two peregrine falcons when he decided to simply dive in and swam to safety.
Unaccustomed to water, the bird kept his head above water and appeared almost like a human doing a breast stroke.
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It’s rare to see an owl bullied by falcons in broad daylight, especially around water.
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He was likely a young owl leaving his parents territory for the first time.
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And unfortunately wandered into the falcon’s turf.
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He looks a little worse for wear, but at least he’s falcon free.
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After taking a few moments to dry off, the owl flew away back on his trek for new territory.
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Spitzer captured the youngster’s persistent swimming in this incredible video:
(via Bored Panda.)
Spitzer called for help from a local bird rescue team, but the owl recovered quickly enough that he was gone before they arrived. Hopefully his path steers him clear of bullies from here on out.
