Despite being born in Myrtle Beach, SC, Karen Maginnis would gladly trade a day lounging on a warm, sunny beach for a chance to stand in hip deep snow in Minnesota — to photograph owls. She hasn’t always been passionate about her favorite class of raptors. In fact, Karen grew up fearful of animals, dogs and cats included Her husband (and camera-equipment toting “sherpa”) Scott, introduced her to his beloved Yellowstone National Park and sparked her desire to photograph wildlife. She has traveled extensively; photographing lions and cheetahs in Kenya, grizzly bears in Alaska and polar bears in Canada. Her avocation of capturing images of owls began in 2000. She has now photographed nearly every owl species in North America. The most challenging owl to shoot: Flammulated Owl. The most entertaining: a tie between Spotted Owls and Burrowing Owls. Karen’s day job has her based in Atlanta, GA where she is a broadcast meteorologist for CNN, Headline News and CNN International. Last summer she rode a horse for the very first time-- while introducing her godchildren to her beloved Yellowstone National Park.
