I’ve posted before about the Great Horned Owls on the family farm in nw Montana. That farm is near Cut Bank, Montana which is famous (infamous) for its howling winds.
1/1000, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
So many of my images of those farm owls show the effects of the wind on the owls. The wind was only moderate when I took this shot so about the only effect you can see from it is the leaning ear tufts (horns). Even at this wind speed you can hear it whistling through the granary cutouts where these birds like to perch When I’m shooting from a tripod instead of from my pickup it’s difficult to get sharp shots because of the effects of the wind on my long lens.
1/160, f/10, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
But when the wind really howls the birds seek refuge. This owl liked to hunker down deep in this Poplar tree as an escape. It was so deeply buried in the tree that I could only get fleeting glimpses of it when the wind would blow some of the branches and leaves in front of the bird to the side. At times the wind would blow the ear tufts almost flat on its head. This owl is leaning into the wind to keep from being blown off the perch.
1/500, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
I used to joke with my cousin, Ken Dudley, that the farm owls were a sub-species with one leg shorter than the other (accounting for their leaning into the wind) and bent ear tufts.
Perhaps it’s actually true…
Ron
Beautiful exposures Ron. Looks like you could get really close too. I also like the setting in the old barn window.
We say that about the Rocky Mountain Bighorns around here….ie the Crowsnest Pass in Alberta
Wow! Great Great Horned crop on photo number 1. Perfect asymmetrical balance!
fantastic photos!!
I really do love all of you Owl photos.
Wonderful shots as usual, Ron. I love that rustic wood framing the first shot.
Ron, they are stunning, I love them all. Ron, go to my site and look at what I shot yesterday. I was horrified.
Great-horned Owls might not weigh too much, but they are powerful birds! Great pics!
Powerful and aggressive, Sam. I’ve heard stories of them almost ripping the shirts off of researchers who get too close to their nests. “Tiger of the Sky” for good reason.!
I am sorry to say that I laughed out loud at each photo! Humanizing the expression, of course, but great fun. In Vermont there is a similar sub-species of dairy cow called the “side-hill cow”….
I’ve heard of those cows, Chris…
Thsnk you Ron. Beautiful, and heart-warming.
Thanks very much, Elephant’s Child.
OMG! I love these shots! For such a regal creature, the nuisance of strong winds does seem to take it down a notch or two! Thank you as always for sharing! Your work is a delight to see daily!
They seem to get used to the winds, Julia. More than I can say for myself…
The blackness of the granary cutout really contrasts the Great Horned Owl , Beautifully. It always amazes me how different one subject will look in a different lighting conditions. Thanks Ron .
I agree, John – the black backround sets the owls off nicely.