An owl in flight in low light and he’s still sharp. I must have been doing something right.
Long time followers of Feathered Photography will remember that back in June of 2010 I spent several days with a family of nesting Short-eared Owls in Montana’s Centennial Valley.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is the adult male delivering a vole to his family at their nest at the base of a sagebrush way out of frame to the left. In the past I’ve posted several photos similar to this one but this particular photo is new to my blog.
It was an ideal situation for both me and the owls because I had many opportunities to photograph the male in flight with prey without getting anywhere near the nest. Typically, I would watch him hunting up to about 1/4 mile away and when he caught a vole he would always fly to one of two low perches, either a single vertical metal post or a particular sagebrush, and land on it with the vole. While perched he would transfer the vole from his talons to his bill and then take off with it toward the nest. It was always during that last flight, from one of the two low perches to the nest, that I had an opportunity to photograph him with prey at a reasonably close distance to me but still far away from the nest.
I believe that this photo was taken during my first of three days with him because he’s watching me as he flies. After the first morning he got so used to me in my pickup he seldom even looked my way. The shooting conditions were challenging because it was usually cloudy so the light was low for flight shots using my old Canon 7D. But I had lots of chances over three days so I was able to get quite a few flight shots I like.
In 14 years of photographing birds, my encounters with this male Shortie were some of my most memorable with any bird of any species. I’ll never forget him or the experience.
Ron
Love how it is looking at you almost daring you to come take its meal.
One of your best photos!!! Perfect planning and execution!
I absolutely love this photograph Ron! And what a great experience to get so much time with these beautiful birds. Thanks for sharing.
WOW! Love it.
This is one of the nicest photos you’ve ever posted. Enjoyed viewing.
Thanks very much, Jimmy.
Remarkable photo Ron. One of your best in my opinion. Thank you for sharing.
Much appreciated, Brad.
That is spectacular! All the elements in that photo work together, so enjoyable to look at.
Thanks very much, Quentin.
What a beautiful creature, and a great memory for you. What’s also remarkable is the consistency of the bird’s behavior, and how you observed it, analyzed it, used it to get memorable photos, and then EXPLAINED it to us. You teach us all the time, and that is as wonderful as the pictures you share. (Do your students know how lucky they were to have such a teacher?!)
Carolyn, that bird’s middle name must have been “consistent”. Once he caught a vole his behavior never wavered.
I was pretty lucky to have the students I had. I taught advanced classes and my students were good kids who wanted to learn.
These are a wonderful photos of the SEO and I am sure a wonderful experience for you. I think the Mark 7DIII did far better in low light than the R5.
Hope you are feeling better back up to full steam. Now we just need some birds!
Thanks, April. I agree that the R5 struggles more than it should to focus in low light.
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WHAT an experience. And photograph to remind you and to treasure.
Thanks, EC.
Fantastic flight shot!
Thanks, Charlotte.
Luv it! Couldn’t ask for a more perfect shot of the owl with prey and asking “who the hell are you?” 😉 Some photos/things just stick in our minds forever…….
Thank you, Judy.
Ron,
Great shot and great memories. It is interesting that when we get “that shot” we can remember a lot about the day: temperature, weather, clothing we were wearing, etc. It is all part of the experience and makes it the memory that it is. Keep those memories coming.
Stephen
Exactly, Stephen. I’m amazed by some of the clear, sharp memories I have of my time with this owl.
He’s saying, “Here’s looking at you Ron.” Great shot to start off the new year. Bet those Shorties all know you and respect that you are not a threat to them.
Thanks, Everett. But it’s been so long since I’ve seen one I doubt they remember me.
One of your best photos!!! Perfect planning and execution!
Love that hypnotic stare and also those downy “boots.”
Thank you, Kenneth.
I think that it’s wonderful that your respect and restraint in dealing
with your animal subjects yields a degree of trust from them–
enabling you to get such a fine image as this one is. I hope that
more would-be wildlife photographers will pay attention and learn!
Kris, that “degree of trust”, when it happens, is one of the most rewarding parts of bird photography. Invariably it gives me the warm fuzzies.
That is one heck of a shot. And that look! It is like an eye magnet. One cannot help but be immediately drawn into looking straight into those eyes.
Outstanding.
Thanks very much, Michael
Absolutely stunning. And unforgettable. So glad it happened for you and so glad you share your wonderful shots. Thank you.
“And unforgettable.”
It certainly was for me, Burrdoo. I remember this owl like it was yesterday. Thanks.