Shades of Galileo.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is one of the two presumed male Short-eared Owls I photographed while they were engaging in an aerial dogfight earlier this month. Both were hunting from fence posts on the east side of the road in early morning so they were always back-lit or side-lit. But last night I reviewed my photos of them and I actually like some of them, despite the side light. Or maybe because of it.
My experience with both owls brought back strong memories of Galileo, the fledgling Short-eared Owl I cut out of the barbed wire fence on the opposite side of the road from the fence post this owl was perched on. In fact, from where I was parked when I took this photo, I could see the patch in the barbed wire I had to cut when I looked behind me out my pickup window.
I even think this owl looks a lot like the adult Galileo looks today, as an education bird for HawkWatch International, but then I’m so fond of him maybe I’m reaching a bit for that conclusion.
I think I prefer a vertical crop of the same image. Your mileage may vary.
Ron
So beautiful—both ways. And so glad it’s not another Shortie suffered the same fate as dear Galileo. ♥️
I like both crops for the same reasons EC gave. I also like side-lighting sometimes because the shadows contribute to the “punch” of the well lit side as others have said. And yeah, I too hate that barbed wire and am glad your subjects of the day were safe. I wonder if barbed wire would be needed if we went back to having much smaller family farms. Would a sort of degrowth/no growth/low growth model like that be better for wildlife, “stock” animals, the mental and physical and social well being of humans, ecosystems and our climate? Wish I had the answers.
I don’t know that there is a practical solution to barbed wire, Granny Pat. There are solutions but “practical” seems to be the sticking point.
I can definitely see Galileo in this Shortie. The light to me is perfect because it makes his facial disc all but sparkle in contrast to the back of his head. Soooo glad you’re finding Shorties in front of your lens again. 💜
Martie, shorties have been few and far between but at least I’ve found a few of them this year. In the last few years, notta…
Just plain gorgeous! Hate thinking about animals and barbed wire. I always scan the wicked stuff when out doing photos.
Makes your heart sink when you see some critter, or potential critter, snagged on that stuff, doesn’t it April.
My heart leapt a little when I read your subtitle. I am so glad that it wasn’t another Galileo.
I like both versions.
The horizontal crop gives us a sense of story, but we focus on this majestic beauty (with his wicked left hook) in the vertical.
Sorry, EC. I didn’t think of that interpretation of my subtitle. Although I’ll admit, I was a little bit worried about one of these two male owls getting snagged by the wire.
I am not surprised at your worry. I would have been the same.
I like the vertical crop for the detail, but prefer the horizontal for the story (Lyle’s version works!) In both, my eye is first drawn to that deadly hook on its left foot – a beautiful tool hanging in space, an owl version of a sickle. And then the light – sidelight always works for me. Gorgeous!
Thanks, Carolyn. That one talon especially really stands out, doesn’t it.
The horizontal version appeals to me just a bit more. He seems to be looking back into the distant pass and knowing that, just as his ancestors lived there, so would successive generations long after the human race has ceased. At least I hope they will.
The pastel background adds to the impression. You should try taking more east-side-of-the-road photos.
“You should try taking more east-side-of-the-road photos”
I take lots of them, Lyle. I just can’t resist, especially when it’s an owl I’m photographing. But I don’t like many of them because of the side and back light.
The “Absaroka Fence Initiative” (Wyoming) is actively working on the barbed-wire fence problem for wildlife.
Good.
Like the vertical crop because I think it grabs your attention more strongly, but the horizontal is still a very good shot. Can’t blame you for connecting this one to the Galileo event though. Thanks for highlighting the original story so I could read that again. That one of your most special posts ever. I forget, but wasn’t the rancher upset that you cut the wire?
“wasn’t the rancher upset that you cut the wire?”
Yes, it pissed him off Everett. He said – “You cut the fence for an owl? We hit them with our vehicles all the time.”
He made it sound like such a big deal but it took them nearly 5 years to repair the fence.
What hypocrisy – makes a big deal out of the fence being cut and then takes five years to patch it. I suppose if he had come along before you he would have just ripped the owl out of the fence damaging wings and whatever.
Love it. Yep, the side light makes the photo with the owl in this pose, and the vertical is the better of the two. Most excellent.
We agree on both counts, Michael. Thanks.
Definitely agreed with you on the vertical crop !! Looks Great !!
Thanks, Gary.
While gazing at the first shot, I thought-“This would be just gorgeous if Ron
were to crop the sides inward-” and in the next frame-you did just that– a truly handsome and dignified portrait… Really, really admire it.
We think alike, Kris. I like the extra detail we get in the vertical crop, plus I think that composition works aesthetically.
Beautiful – going back over photos in a different frame of mind IS sometimes helpful. 😉 I always thing of Galileo when you post SEO’s…… 🙂 In this case I like the horizontal giving some “space” for his gaze……
Unpleasant realization yesterday – we have NO Goldfinches this year! Advance party was here awhile back when the Grackles were taking over everything – don’t know if it’s related or not but we ALWAYS have Goldfinches – lots of them and……. 🙁
Also got to watch a Waxwing hunting insects over the “crick” last evening – 1st time I’ve seen that….. 🙂
Judy, I had a few American Goldfinches at my feeder in late spring but the only goldfinches I’m getting now are the Lesser Goldfinches.