Full Heart
That afternoon we reveled in every moment of this gift, of being able to watch and photograph this magnificent owl as he made short flights out from his perches in pursuit of prey.
View print sizes for Full Heart by Melissa Groo:
Story Behind the Photograph: Full Heart
Late one autumn afternoon in Jackson, Wyoming, I was driving with a friend along a quiet backcountry road, searching for a Great Gray Owl. We’d gotten a tip that one had been seen earlier in the day on this road, hunting rodents from a fencepost. I was very excited, as I had never before seen this owl, the largest of North America’s species, measuring up to three feet tall. It was nearing dusk and a blue blanket of light enveloped the fields and far off mountains. I intensely scrutinized near and far fenceposts as the landscape scrolled by. Suddenly I noticed that one fencepost looked taller than the others, with an odd shape at the top. And then I realized it was most likely an owl perched there! I asked my friend to back up so we could get a better look. We both looked through our binoculars and realized much to our delight that it was indeed a Great Gray Owl. He was oblivious to us, focused on looking and listening for voles to pursue on the ground before him.
We parked and set up our tripods and long lenses. The owl didn’t seem to mind our presence at all and continued to work his way ever closer to us. It was fascinating to observe him as he intently listened for the sounds of rodents; Great Gray Owls’ incredible hearing allows them to detect prey over 100 yards away through snow as deep as a foot and a half!
The conservation status of Great Gray Owls is “Sensitive” in the U.S. and “Vulnerable” in Canada. These owls face challenges to their survival partly due to difficulty in finding suitable nest sites. They greatly depend on finding large, broken-topped trees, called snags. When the owls nest on the tops of broken snags, the bowls have to be large enough to accommodate their massive size. These old trees are a vital component of healthy forest ecosystems and are utilized by a host of species.
How can you help? Two ways.
Consider keeping snags standing as long as they don’t pose a safety risk; they provide essential nesting and roosting habitat for owls (as well as many other animals).
Support the work of the Owl Research Institute (link here to owlresearchinstitute.org) the leading organization doing critical field work, along with education and conservation. They record the measurements of successful nesting snags and are developing a predictable model to easily identify and manage these dead trees which provide potential nest sites. Again and again, they are finding snags removed from otherwise ideal Great Gray habitat. In most cases, it is from lack of awareness and implications to the wildlife are not understood. As a result, public education is a key focus of this project.
That afternoon we reveled in every moment of this gift, of being able to watch and photograph this magnificent owl as he made short flights out from his perches in pursuit of prey. We stayed until we could barely see him in the falling darkness. By the time we left, our hearts--and our camera cards—were full.
About Untamed Photographer
Untamed Photographer is an online art gallery that brings together wildlife photography and stories from a range of international environmental artists, both emerging and established.
Structured as an online marketplace, Untamed Photographer offers a selection of handpicked, limited-edition works of art, alongside the photographers’ compelling stories of what occurred in the wild to get the shot. The exclusive limited-edition pieces are printed in Miami and come with an artist-signed certificate of authenticity from their respective worldwide locations.
The Nature Trust of the Americas (NTOTA) was founded with the mission to give back. While building awareness for NTOTA’s causes, the founders met talented nature photographers who are passionate not only about photography, but also about saving the planet. Their life’s work and stories are inspiring, and their art, passion and stories deserve to be shared on a platform that benefits the environmental causes they are dedicated to.
Just as the photographers preserve the beauty of the planet in their art, Untamed Photographer is dedicated to preserving the planet for the future. All profits from photographs go to Untamed Photographer's two pillars: the artists and causes that protect the environment, ecosystems, and wildlife.
About the Photographer: Melissa Groo
Melissa Groo is a wildlife photographer, writer, and conservationist with a passion for educating people about the marvels of the natural world. She believes that photography can be both fine art and a powerful vehicle for storytelling, and considers herself a “wildlife biographer” as much as a wildlife photographer. It is her mission to raise awareness and change minds about not only the extrinsic beauty of animals, but also their intrinsic worth.
Melissa is an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers. She writes a bimonthly column on wildlife photography for Outdoor Photographer magazine, is a contributing editor to Audubon magazine, and advises National Audubon Society on photography content and ethics in bird photography.
In 2017, Melissa was awarded the Katie O'Brien Lifetime Achievement Award by Audubon Connecticut, for demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. She also received NANPA's Vision Award, given to a photographer every 2 years in recognition of early career excellence, vision and inspiration to others in nature photography, conservation, and education.
In 2020, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology released "Bird Photography with Melissa Groo," an online masterclass in beginning bird photography. It comprises almost 40 videos featuring her instruction.
Melissa's association with the Lab goes back to when she worked in the Bioacoustics Research Department from 2000-2005 on elephant communication. She was a research assistant for scientist Katy Payne on The Elephant Listening Project, and spent field seasons in the rainforest of central Africa studying forest elephants in the wild, where she learned to listen deeply and watch closely.
Her photographs and articles have been published in numerous magazines including Smithsonian, Audubon, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife, Living Bird, and Natural History. Melissa has received awards and honorable mentions in national and international photography competitions. Her fine art prints are in personal and corporate collections, and have been exhibited in numerous private galleries as well as a number of public venues, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
About the Creator
Melissa Groo
I'm a wildlife photographer, writer, and conservationist. My goal is to document the lives, the beauty, and the necessity of all wild creatures. And to help them survive and thrive.
@melissagroo
melissagroo.com
facebook.com/melissa.groo
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Bobcat Love. Created with: Untamed Photographer.
View print sizes for Bobcat Love by Melissa Groo: Story Behind the Photograph: Bobcat Love This shot took place only two miles from my home in upstate NY, and for me is a wonderful reminder that grace, beauty, and the wild are all around, even close to home.
By Melissa Groo5 years ago in Earth
Homes in North Scotland Without Power as Arctic Weather Sweeps the UK
As Arctic air sweeps across the United Kingdom, communities in northern Scotland are bearing the brunt of one of the harshest winter spells in recent years. Sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and powerful winds have combined to knock out power supplies to thousands of homes, leaving residents facing prolonged outages amid dangerously cold conditions. The extreme weather has once again highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure in remote regions and raised urgent questions about preparedness in an era of increasingly volatile winters. A Deep Freeze Grips the North The latest cold snap has been driven by an Arctic air mass plunging southwards, bringing temperatures well below freezing across much of the UK. In parts of the Highlands, temperatures have dropped to levels not seen for several winters, with wind chill making conditions feel even more severe. Heavy snow and ice have blanketed roads, while gusts strong enough to down power lines have created widespread disruption. Northern Scotland, known for its rugged terrain and dispersed communities, has been particularly affected. Rural villages and isolated households are often connected by long stretches of overhead power lines, which are highly susceptible to damage from ice buildup and falling trees. As snow accumulated and winds intensified, multiple faults occurred across the network, leaving homes without electricity for hours—and in some cases, days. Power Outages and Daily Life For residents, the loss of power during Arctic conditions is more than an inconvenience. Electricity is essential not only for lighting and communication but also for heating, cooking, and water supply in many modern homes. Without it, indoor temperatures can drop rapidly, posing serious risks to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions. Many households have had to rely on alternative heat sources such as fireplaces or portable gas heaters, while others sought refuge with relatives or in community shelters. Local authorities and volunteer groups have stepped in to provide support, distributing hot meals, blankets, and updates to those affected. However, the scale of the outages has stretched resources, particularly in remote areas where access is limited by snow-covered roads. Strain on Infrastructure The Arctic blast has once again exposed the fragility of power infrastructure in extreme weather. Much of Scotland’s electricity network, especially in rural areas, still relies on overhead lines rather than underground cables. While overhead systems are cheaper to install and maintain, they are far more vulnerable to storms, heavy snow, and ice. Energy companies have deployed repair crews around the clock, often working in treacherous conditions to restore supplies. Engineers have faced blocked roads, poor visibility, and freezing temperatures, slowing repair efforts. Despite these challenges, utility providers have emphasized that safety must come first, as repairing live lines in severe weather carries significant risks. Travel and Wider Disruption Power outages are only one part of the broader disruption caused by the Arctic weather. Snow and ice have forced road closures across the Highlands and islands, while rail services have been reduced or suspended in some areas. Schools have closed as a precaution, and health services have urged people to avoid non-essential travel. Airports in northern regions have also experienced delays and cancellations, as icy runways and poor visibility complicate operations. For businesses, particularly small enterprises in tourism and agriculture, the weather has delivered another economic blow during what is already a challenging winter period. Climate Change and Colder Extremes While cold snaps are a natural part of the UK’s climate, scientists warn that climate change may be making winter weather more unpredictable and extreme. A warming Arctic can disrupt atmospheric patterns, increasing the likelihood of sudden cold outbreaks like the one currently affecting Scotland. This paradox—where global warming can lead to more intense cold spells—adds complexity to planning and resilience efforts. The current outages have reignited debate about the need to modernize infrastructure to cope with these extremes. Calls are growing for greater investment in underground cabling, improved grid resilience, and community-level backup systems, particularly in regions that are repeatedly affected by severe weather. Community Resilience and the Road Ahead Despite the challenges, stories of resilience and solidarity have emerged from affected communities. Neighbors have checked on one another, shared generators, and opened their homes to those without heat. Local councils and charities have coordinated relief efforts, demonstrating the importance of community networks during crises. Looking ahead, experts argue that lessons must be learned from each severe weather event. Improving early warning systems, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring clear communication between authorities and residents are all critical steps. For northern Scotland, where extreme weather is a fact of life, building resilience is not optional—it is essential. Conclusion The Arctic weather sweeping across the UK has left homes in northern Scotland without power, disrupting daily life and underscoring the challenges of maintaining essential services during extreme conditions. While emergency responses have helped mitigate the immediate impact, the situation highlights a broader issue: the need for long-term investment and adaptation in the face of a changing climate. As temperatures slowly recover and power supplies are restored, the experience serves as a stark reminder that winter extremes remain a serious threat. For policymakers, energy providers, and communities alike, the message is clear—preparing for harsher, more unpredictable winters must be a priority, not an afterthought.
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