Recently I’ve spent some time rooting around in my dusty archives and I’ve found a few gems that I originally passed over.
1/2500, f/8, ISO 400, Canon 40D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4 tc, tripod, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this Barn Owl at Farmington Bay on 2/18/08 as it was hunting for voles. Conditions were typical of those that force these owls to hunt during daytime – very cold and the marsh was covered with crusted snow. The refuge had been socked in by fog earlier in the morning which you can see clearing off in the background.
The photo was taken with my old Canon 40D (only 10.1 megapixels) and even though this image has been cropped significantly and the owl is still fairly small in the frame I thought the image quality was pretty good given those limiting factors.
This shot brought back many memories of standing at the edge of the phrags with frozen and numb fingers, toes and ears as I waited for the occasional Barn Owl or harrier to fly by. Though I generally prefer shooting solo (or just with Mia) I enjoyed the camaraderie of a few other photographers (Joe Ford for example) and some were generous with technical advice freely shared with this novice photographer.
Good memories.
Ron
This bird looks so small. I think it’s a trick of the eye but I keep seeing it as just tiny!
Thanks for posting this one Ron. The owl is so clear that I feel I can almost reach in and pick him up. The background is also perfect for him.
Great as usual Ron. There is a ghostliness about it that speaks of some world beyond our immediate control — thanks be!
Almost like an apparition, don’t you think, Ed? Thank you.
Wonderful shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
I seem to remember telling you that I would like to trawl through your archives. I suspect that I would acknowledge more gems than you, and am glad you have pulled this one out for us. Oooh and ahhh. And repeat.
Monochromatic (nearly) magic.
Yep, you did say that, EC. I recall it clearly. Thank you.
A beautiful shot, definitely worth posting. I love the way the background picks up the colors in the owl.
Thank you, Susan.
Keep rooting around. The underfeathers are stunning!
I’ll keep rooting, Karen. Thanks
Magnificent image! I also appreciate your commentary on the picture as well as the technical information. So glad I found your blog!
Welcome, Fraida. Happy to have you around. Thank you.
Stunning, stunning, stunning image … the tones … the light … WOW!!!!!! My new favorite of yours!!!
Thank you very much, Lois.