Phantom of the North

[Bobobird]

The Great Grey Owl.

Took me 9 trips of ~100km each. Including gas, toll road charges, missed lunches etc - she turned out to be one expensive lady! My sincerity of course paid off and made the freezing hands/feet and hurting wallet worth the effort.

I have quite a few shots but will post these 2 initially. She was really co-operative and landed no more than 4 feet from where I was standing. At one point right next to me about 2 feet out.

Both f8, 1/320, ISO 1600, 300mm.

Comments / views welcomed and appreciated as always.

Thanks.

1.


2.

[Stagecoach]

Magic Bobo. That look is sure piercing.

Grahame

[Bobobird]

Thanks Grahame.

Even from say 100 or so yards, one can see those bright beacons if the light is right.

[ShaneS]

Stunning Bobo! I imagine it was very rewarding to capture these images and hope it has made the expense in time and money worthwhile for you.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[Paniaa]

Beautiful Bobo. I want to reach out to stroke those feathers they are so realistic.

[Donald]

Commitment + Dedication + Talent + Skill + Respect/Love for the subject = Superb images.

[John 2]

It was worth the effort. Stunning captures.

[Sergio M.]

Since I'm all thumbs, they are all up.

Sergio

[Bobobird]

Thanks Shane, John, Pania, Donald, John, Sergio. Glad you liked her.

[chauncey]

I told you...it's all in wearing the proper aftershave, draws them right next to ya.

[FrankMi]

Very impressive! Can't wait to see more!

How in the world did you coax her to come that close on your first date Bobo?

Did you wear a owl costume or do something to attract her?

[Bobobird]

Thanks Frank.

This was the 3rd date. Also there are a lot of other photographers/birders there. For some odd reason she likes to stay on the trees by the side of the road so is pretty close most of the time. Sometimes she takes off and grabs a mouse from inside the snow. Since no one disturbs her, she probably is just used to the people and all the commotion that goes on.

Someone did mention having seen people bait her with live mice but I have not seen that myself.

I have all but 3 types of shots which I will try to get this or next week. Will post up what I have as they get processed.

One of the shots can be seen if you click the 1/1600 below.

[Brownbear]

Stunningly beautiful, and so much more...

Thank you for sharing the story behind the image. It's a great reminder of the required perseverance to manage shots like this, and an inspiration for me to keep trying to find an owl (and also an eagle) in just the right setting (not so easy to do) in order to capture a photograph like this.

[FrankMi]

This was the 3rd date.

Outstanding shot on the website!

It looks like she was willing to let you get down to her eye level to get these shots. I'm very impressed. I think she likes you!

[Wavelength]

This is shocking...this is surprising... this is just awesome

PS: ....and if somebody did not click on "1/6000", they are not doing justice to themselves....

[Donald]

PS: ....and if somebody did not click on "1/6000", they are not doing justice to themselves....

Indeed. It is a stunning portfolio of images.

[bnnrcn]

Marvellous a good return on your effort..

[deetheturk]

Superb Bobo,well worth the effort bud!

David

[dje]

Brilliant Bobo, well worth the effort.

Dave