Usually when I’m photographing hunting Barn Owls they’re flying above the stands of Phragmites so I typically get a sky background. If I’m lucky they’ll be low enough so that I include some of the phrags at the bottom of the frame to include habitat in the image.
1/1600, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
But occasionally the bird will drop down low enough so that I get only phrags in the background and no sky. For the sake of variety I like the effect, though it sure makes it difficult to keep focus locked on the bird with the vegetation in the background so close to the owl.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
On the very next pass the owl was high enough that I got some sky in the background, along with the frosty Phragmites plumes.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
Two shots in the burst later the owl was slightly past me and beginning to turn away but this angle gave me a strong catch light in the eye and a somewhat dramatic look at the fully extended left wing.
It’s fascinating to watch these birds in the air. Their buoyant flight with deep, slow wingbeats as they cruise rather slowly will change dramatically when they twist and turn at the beginning of a dive for prey.
These owls hunt almost exclusively at night so it’s a rare treat for me to be able to photograph them in flight during daylight.
Ron
Thanks for not being discouraged and continuing to share your marvelous photos. They are a true highlight to so many!
I love this owl set against the frosty phragmites. Incredible shots. It certainly is a treat to see these birds in daylight!
Bryce, As you well know, catching them flying during daylight doesn’t happen every day. I hope I get the chance again this winter…
Superb! What a beautiful creature. Very nice handling of a few technical challenges!
What would we do without those “technical challenges”, huh, Wally?
I loved them all, but that second shot took my breath away. Thank you.
I like that one too, Elephants Child – especially for the detail in the facial disc.
Beautiful shots, I love seeing the feet on the last one. Thank you!
Like many raptors, they do have interesting feet. Thanks, Tana.
Breathtaking, I like this framing.
Thank you, Maria.