But first a more traditional look at a perched Barn Owl for those who may not appreciate the composition of the flight shot.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Three days ago at Farmington this stately looking owl landed on a post in front of me and allowed me to get close enough for a few shots before a car approaching from the north scared it off. The owl took off away from me but I like some of the perched shots, partly because of the layered background but also because I think this bird is an unusually handsome specimen.
Because that bright white face was sidelit the exposure was a difficult one but I played around with the image a little during processing and I think this result works pretty well.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Thirty six minutes later this Barn Owl flew by so close to me I couldn’t fit all of it in the frame. But it was sharp so I decided to see if I could crop it for a “flight portrait” I liked.
And I do like it even though the composition is far from traditional. In my experience such an intimate look at a Barn Owl in flight is unusual. I almost feel as if I’m seeing into its soul when I look into that inky-black eye and I rarely see this much detail on the face of this species, perched or in flight.
I love photographing our Barn Owls but when they fly in daylight it usually means they’re stressed for food because of cold and snow on the ground so I hope it warms up soon so they can go back to the strictly nocturnal ways they’re more comfortable with.
Besides, I’m ready for spring. And green. And migratory songbirds. And warmer temperatures.
Ron
Beautiful owl, I hope it thrives this season. As you probably know I had a disheartening experience today at the bay. It is hard to know when to intervene. Maybe if I tried to grab it last week. But what is done is done I can’t change it.
Yes, I know about your experiences (both of them). I’d have been disheartened too, April.
I got your text and photo and thought I responded but after you made this comment I looked and it didn’t send. So I sent it then. Thanks for that photo in particular.
Those are great!
Thanks, Jean.
Just want to complement you on these really crisp, beautiful images.
The only time I have seen a Barn Owl in the daytime was–in a barn.
Thanks very much, Lyle.
I echo your sentiment, as I too am “ready for spring. And green. And migratory songbirds. And warmer temperatures.”
Great pictures!
Thank you, Aidan.
WONDERFUL!!!!
Thanks, Patty.
I’ve never even seen–let alone had any chance to photograph–a barn owl in daylight in my part of the world. This is a gorgeous shot.
Many “parts of the world” are like that when it comes to Barn Owls, James. Around here we’re just lucky in that regard. Thank you.
The two pictures are beautiful. She is a lovely owl and very royal looking in her stance. I just love the colorations in the feathers.
Thank you, Trudy.
I LOVE it! The detail in the face of the owl is amazing and those eyes that you can’t see the depth of! Glad you decided to post it.. 🙂 We had one of those sideways storms Sat. Not a huge amount of new snow but sure moved snow! 🙁 Lane a mess tho partially plowed out now – getting REAL old.
Thanks, Judy. Bring on spring!
What a beautiful series, Ron! Such a stunning bird! I heard my first-of-year American Woodcock at dusk last night, a sure sign that the worst of winter is behind us.
You’re lucky, Diane. I’ve never seen or even heard a woodcock.
Two nice images this morning Ron. As always, appreciated. I agree about the background in the first image. More and more I am realizing that having a good background is critical in many cases to a successful photograph. For instance, while over in Bosque a few weeks back, I caught a full frame Sandhill in flight that is really really really sharp and well exposed. But guess what, blank sky background. Result: Nice image but I am not overly impressed. Lesson, try to focus on subjects with pleasing backgrounds (if you have a choice). On the tight shot of the owl, I’m impressed you kept the bird in the viewfinder and actually kept him in focus. But also of note, when you get close-ups like this, the background is not nearly as critical. Anyway, for what it’s worth. Hope you are healing up quickly.
PS: re your input on black vulture/caracara preening observation, the photographer is providing his images to Cornel who seemed interested in the confirmed behavior. Thanks for you input.
Frank, I’ve always thought that backgrounds and settings are often as important as the subject.
Good, I’m glad Cornell is showing some interest.
That is one stunning owl and even more so for the images. Very cool. Great work by the lensman.
Wishing you warm and green soon.
Thank you, Dave.
It looks like he/she is almost communicating with you, Ron. What an exciting shot….so close and so beautiful….Thank you
Who knows, maybe it was, Steve. 🙂
This bird is stunning. The post portrait is wonderful but the flight one is mesmerizing. I could see them in the same frame on a wall. Taking you from the stylized portrait of a studio photographer to the intimacy of a family taking a shot of you.
I’m glad you like them that much, Arwen. Thanks.
Oh wait. NEVER MIND that email I just sent. I can’t see!
No worries, Arwen!
Beautiful shots Ron! Hope your recovery is progressing well!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte. I have my ups and downs.
Ye, it is as if your are looking into ‘his soul’. A truly beautiful bird…you were so very fortunate to capture these photos…I hope you have a few more to post in a future blog. The legs look almost to be like a softly textured velvet…I’ve not noticed that before in photos. When I look at the face though, I sense a bit of melancholy. Perhaps it is the deeply black eyes that gives me that feeling but as beautiful as he is, his eyes saddens my heart. Oh I am so waiting for spring. A 100 car pile up yesterday not that far away in white-out conditions. After two days of snow, 40 mph winds, now single digit temps, it cannot come fast enough. Sunshine today so hopefully roads will be taken care of as I head to MI. this a.m.
Kathy, I’ll have to go out again to get “a few more” I like and chances of success aren’t very good because of the dismal forecast and because these owls will likely stop hunting in daylight very soon. I hope your drive to MI is a safe one on clear roads.
Beautiful! I love this medium-closeup portrait
Thank you, Dominique.
The flight portrait is gorgeous. I love seeing the face so close and feeling that the owl is looking at me—though given your comment about scarce food, I might wonder if s/he was evaluating my prey potential! : )
Thanks, MK. I don’t think I’d taste very good but perhaps the owl didn’t know that… 🙂