Short-eared Owl
I think this guy may have an issue with it's left eye
I think this guy may have an issue with it's left eye
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May, 2016Views
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Awards
Chatter Award
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 38
Member Selection Award
Featured
Contest Finalist in Living Creatures Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Genius
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Happy
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was along an unclassified road near Strichen, in North East ScotlandTime
Taken at 11:18am, I thought an unusual time to see a Short eared OwlLighting
Light was decent, not too bright, perfect subdued light for bird photos!Equipment
I took this handheld with a Canon 7D and EF 100-400L lens -Inspiration
I love owls but in fact I was actually out looking for Cranes at the time and suddenly spotted this bird staring at me, a massive stroke of luck. I actually stopped my car right where I was when I saw it and jumped out leaving the door open, there was nowhere at all to park so I was snapping away hoping nothing came along that road as I was blocking it! Luckily nothing did. I only got a couple of minutes with the bird as it flew off the post and hunted in the nearby field then flew out of view but I still managed 41 shots!Editing
All I did was edit the RAW file changing light levels etc, then I removed some noise in Elements then cropped in closer.In my camera bag
For most local trips I usually go out with my main body (was Canon 7D Mk1 but now a Mk2) and two lenses, a Canon EF-S 15-85 IS and a Canon EF 100-400L as well as my Velbon tripod and a 1.4TC. If I am looking for something specific like landscapes I will take out a Polarising filter and some ND Filters, and if going after wildlife I may take my RODE VideoMic Go.Feedback
Main advice I would give is move slowly if going towards an Owl on a fencepost and ensure a reasonably fast shutter speed. Owls sometimes wheel around and fly towards you a little after they initially fly away so it's best to stop and try to appear unthreatening, you can sometimes get treated to a stare right into the camera as they flypast!
