Short Eared Owl

[Mutley]

I was actually out looking for a local barn owl (which was a no show), as I was after an improvement on my last attempt.
I had all but given up as the sun was setting fast and I was making my way back to the motor. Suddenly, I heard two Crows arguing in a tree and looked up to see this lovely looking bird. He/she just sat there watching me as I walked to within about 20ft.
It was very dark in the tree in which it was sitting and seeing as I forgot to alter the settings from my BIF set up I'm surprised it even came out at all
There was actually a hedgerow between us, and other trees made getting a better shot (without branches) not possible.

C&C always welcomed



Nikon D600 Sigma 150-500mm

[Dave Humphries]

I have yet to see an owl in the wild (when I have a camera)
So you're doing quite well Steve

Yeah, you have to shoot what's available, but if you keep at it and continue to have the luck/skill I seem to lack, one day you may be rewarded with an even closer view of the Short Eared, or Barn, Owl.

[Dave A]

Sounds like you got the best shot that was available to you. You got the eyes in focus, well done.

Dave

[Shadowman]

Very nice.

[Mutley]

Sounds like you got the best shot that was available to you. You got the eyes in focus, well done.

Dave

Afraid that was more luck than skill, I couldn't even see the eyes, it was so dark.

[marlunn]

old adage - the more you practice the luckier you get

Love it - the branches in front add to it / make it for me - its in its environment and the eyes have it connecting with you - great shot.

[Mutley]

old adage - the more you practice the luckier you get

Love it - the branches in front add to it / make it for me - its in its environment and the eyes have it connecting with you - great shot.

Thanks Mark.
I'm beginning to see what you mean by "in its environment" I have been trying to crop too close in the past and it can kinda lose the "wild" feeling. Not that I have the skill to get that close anyway (most of mine are poor crops at best). It's trying to find that fine balance between close and wild. I have much to learn......
I'll keep posting and try to learn from the wealth of knowledge that is kindly offered on here.
Thanks

[FootLoose]

I like it. I think you have captured the bird's character - or at least given me a sense of its character - and I think that is just as important as showing its physical features.

[NorthernFocus]

Good job grabbing what was offered. I've yet to get a shot of an owl. Any owl... Well done.

[bnnrcn]

I really like the eyes which look so interested in you(?) and the composition

[IzzieK]

I have no luck with owls. Period. I saw one coming at me and it was blurred. I went to photograph one in the zoo and the moment it saw my camera, it turned its head around the other way...I wait 10 minutes and left. You are so lucky with this one.You've nailed the eyes so well, it made up for the whole image.

[Ziggy]

Nice Owl. Just for fun I would try a close crop of the head and the body right above the branch.