Where's My Coffee?
The eyes of this barred owl are partially closed on a bright sunny morning.
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The eyes of this barred owl are partially closed on a bright sunny morning.
http:--www.istockphoto.com-ca-photos-artiste9999
http:--www.istockphoto.com-il-photo-barred-owl-blinking-quebec-canada-gm518892983-49332700
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http:--www.istockphoto.com-ca-photos-artiste9999
http:--www.istockphoto.com-il-photo-barred-owl-blinking-quebec-canada-gm518892983-49332700
Read less
Apr, 2017Views
272
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in Animal Eyes Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 2Top 10 rank week 1Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Mont St-Bruno National Park south of Montreal, Quebec. I was walking on one of the park's hiking trails and saw it perched in a tree. This was in spring, so there were no leaves in the trees to obstruct the view. I was also early in the morning so no one had scared off the wildlife yet.Time
The shot was taken around 10AM. The early morning is usually a good time to spot wildlife.Lighting
It was a cool spring day so the air was crystal clear. The sky was cloudless and there were no leaves in the trees, so direct sunlight made its way to the forest floor.Equipment
I used a Canon EOS 70D camera equipped with a 400mm L-series zoom lens. I leaned the camera against a tree trunk for stability and put it is rapid fire mode. When I got home, I selected the best shot from the series.Inspiration
The owl was sleeping as they usually do in the morning. But it was cautiously opening and closing its eyes in a defense mechanism. So I times the shot when it seemed to be blinking and the shot that resulted looked as if it was half awake. For me, that appearance is what makes this shot interesting.Editing
Minor sharpening, otherwise no post-processing.In my camera bag
The equipment mentioned earlier plus a tripod and a doubler.Feedback
As with most wildlife photography, the best time is early morning when they are actively foraging for food. So go outside wherever your favorite park is, open your eyes while you walk around and have the camera ready. I usually have the zoom already mounted, and the camera is set in rapid fire mode.
