Last night Animal Control Officers released a Great Horned Owl, which they named Hootie, at the Medway Community Farm. He had been rescued last month and, after some time in rehab, was healthy enough to return to nature. I was lucky to be one of the few who got to see the release, nothing ever goes as planned with animals, but we thought we had a moment or two more than we did. The gate was opened, they assisted him out, and it was over. He was gone—an incredible yet brief sight. I had planned on a different setting to capture the flight, but this slow shutter speed was a mistake and with some luck. It led to these two dramatic shots that might not have looked as cool had I been able to do what I wanted. Ultimately, Hootie is healthy and free, saved by Medway and Norfolk Animal Control.

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