Yesterday morning I had more luck with Barn Owls in flight – luck of both types.
1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 400 mm, not baited, set up or called in
It’s been several years since I photographed a Barn Owl along the causeway to Antelope Island so I was almost shocked when this bird came in my direction as it hunted the causeway edge. As an added bonus it was even on the north side and traveling east which gave me nice soft, warm light on the entire bird and a catch light in the eye. In this shot I like the wing position and the placement of the owl against the background with the bird centered between the two banks of ice and snow at top and bottom.
1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 400 mm, not baited, set up or called in
Two shots later I caught the wings down. My favorite thing about this image is the diaphanous left wing where it meets the head and neck – we can see the color of the ice right through it.
The bad luck? I was without my 500mm lens because it’s in the shop. With that lens I’d have had to crop less so these images would have noticeably more detail. But I’m trying to avoid too much belly aching about that unfortunate timing – after all, just to see an owl (I saw and photographed two of them) along the causeway was something special and I got some images that I like very much.
And given the circumstances (I was actually traveling 25mph along the deserted causeway at sunrise when these two shots were taken) I’m quite happy with the performance of my 100-400 zoom lens. If I used that lens more often I’m sure I’d clip fewer wings and body parts of birds in flight.
Ron
Great shot Ron. A barn owl is on my,lifer list.
A good photographer is good with any lens. The photos look great.
Spectacular shots Ron.
Thank you, Larry.
Happy dances.
I would be smiling from ear to ear if I had even seen that. To capture and preserve it? Definitely icing on a very rich cake.
I DID smile from ear to ear, EC. Couldn’t happy dance because I was driving…
Ellie Baby! Where’s the cake?..my 83rd birthday was yesterday….and NO CAKE!!! (Chocolate with chocolate icing please! )
A very, very HAPPY BIRTHDAY – belated but the wishes are heartfelt. And of course chocolate with chocolate icing. And chocolate on the side.
YES!!!!!.
Happy Birthday, Patty. I like your (chocolate) tastes in cake.
Very Nice images Ron. I should be in that area later today, in Moab right now. I will look out for you, and of course some Barn Owls 🙂
I’ll be looking for you too, Ed. Not sure which day though – I don’t dare not be here when my lens arrives.
Sweet images Ron!
Thanks, Nancy.
Great shots.
Seeing photos like these with a 100-400mm sure are a source of inspiration to me. Beautiful.
Thank you.
“Seeing photos like these with a 100-400mm sure are a source of inspiration to me”
Good, Jorge! We all need inspiration wherever we can get it. I’m glad that you occasionally find some of it here.
These are incredibly beautiful…how is it possible to see through those wings? They seem translucent in both images. I don’ t remember seeing this before, but love it!
“how is it possible to see through those wings?”
I don’t know the physics of it, Patty, but I’ve seen the same thing on other birds too.
Once again, beautiful! I love how really talented folks always find a way to make their art shine–whatever is necessary. Love Dave Howell’s comment. While I’m not a photographer, I know that inward fist pump from other activities. It’s delicious!
Laura, if pressed I’d have to admit that my fist pumps aren’t always inward. I actually DO it on occasion. I also remember missing a nice shot while I was doing it once.
Yeah, Ron, that happens, too. Other wondrous things happen while you’re celebrating. Life’s just like that…LOL!
The “diaphanous left wing”! Ah, yes, so lovely . . .
I like that effect too, Linda.
Wow! So beautiful. I have only ever seen a barn owl flying in the daytime once…It was behind brush and shrubs and I couldn’t get a good shot. I’ve seen them at the break of dawn and just at dusk when the light was so low it really compromised any images I could get. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Sharon, We’re lucky around here because it isn’t terribly unusual to see Barn Owls flying in daylight during winter.
Nice shots Ron. It seems every time I’ve seen or was able to photograph birds, be it Harriers or owls along the causeway, the birds are far too often on the south side and I’m shooting into the sun. Nice to see those owls cooperated for you this time!
“the birds are far too often on the south side and I’m shooting into the sun”
Isn’t that the truth, Gary! I know that pain well… Thank you.
Beautiful, Ron! 🙂 It almost looks mystical with the diaphanous left wing and, in the first photo, the feathers on the right side are the same way. 🙂 The older lens did well by you in my opinion.
“The older lens did well by you in my opinion”
Thank you, Judy. That lens isn’t really “older” – it’s the new version. I had the older version too but I actually sold it yesterday.
Very nice images, Ron. Don’t you just love when the bird is positioned just so in beautiful light relative to your position and you’re ready for it? You find it in your sights, acquire focus and when the shutter trips you inwardly do a fist pump knowing you froze a wonderful moment. A quick glance at the LCD is confirmation and a grin slowly spreads from ear to ear. And for this to take place with a bird you don’t often get a chance at…priceless. Here’s to hoping you get the 500mm back soon but I like what you’re doing with the 100-400mm in the meantime. Thanks for sharing.
From what you said, Dave, you obviously know how it is – yes, it can be quite the rush! Thanks very much.
Beautiful shots Ron!I hope you can figure out some padding so that won’t happen again. I can only imagine how frustrating it is to be without your fine camera and lems.
Charlotte
Frustrating for sure, Charlotte, but there are worse things – I know that for sure. And birds are finally beginning to pick up around here so that gives me extra hope for when I get it back. In the meantime I’ll use the zoom and the 7D and try to make the best of the situation.
Nice shots Ron. Look good for shooting wide open and at 1/1250. You could’ve told me you shot these with the 500 and I would have never known the difference…they are that good.
Thanks, Zaphir. That new little Canon zoom is a sweet lens!