This first image is almost six years old but it includes an owl and a storm that I’ll never forget.
There was already snow on the ground that January morning and the ponds of Farmington Bay were frozen thick and solid. I’d been shooting for a couple of hours when I noticed a very dark and menacing storm coming in from the south and it was moving fast. When the storm hit, and it did with a vengeance, I was still at the far end of the refuge (the “4-way pond”, for those familiar with the area) and since I was driving a small 2 wheel drive car at the time I decided I’d better get out of there while the getting was good.
The storm was eerie. It was black as pitch to the south, relatively light to the north and I was right in the middle, at least for the first few minutes. When the snow began to fall it did so softly and thick (I expected wind but there wasn’t any). As I drove north to exit the refuge I drove slowly, hoping against all odds that I’d find a cooperative bird in the snow before I got stuck and/or didn’t have any light. As I type this I can hear my tires crunching in the snow. That was the only sound – whenever I stopped it was deathly quiet from the muffling effect of the snow.
And then the Barn Owl came along at the first bridge…
1/800, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I was lucky to even notice it because it came up at an oblique angle behind me as I was driving. It passed over the road behind me and then flew over the frozen pond to my left. It ignored me, intent on its business – hunting for voles in an almost impossible situation with all that snow, simply intent on survival.
The appeal of a photograph can be very personal, depending on tastes, subject preferences, past experiences and a host of other factors. This is another “butt shot” with no eye contact and you can barely see the owls head but this is one of those images that I react to emotionally in ways I have difficulty explaining. It’s probably a combination of things – my love of birds, the memories of the storm and the quiet and the precarious nature of survival in these conditions for a species that means so much to me. Perhaps you had to be there…
I was able to get 8 “keeper” images as the owl crossed over the small frozen pond (I’ve posted a different one of them previously).
At the last minute I decided to include one more Barn Owl image taken that morning (one I’ve posted before).
This shot was taken 27 minutes before the previous one, as I headed to the 4-way for one last attempt at birds at the south end just before the storm hit. This owl had already hunkered down at the bottom of a deep ravine in what I believe was likely an attempt to find some protection before the storm moved in. As close as I was to this bird it had no intention of leaving the relative comfort of its refuge. So I drove off and let it be.
Perhaps another example of a “wise old owl”…
Ron
Funny the different reasons we begin taking photographs and how those reasons evolve. For me, it was a natural extension of birding. There has been a whole journey of personal discovery along the way. That’s the way I view your images, Ron. Personal discovery – my own and most certainly, yours.
You stated in an earlier post you were “far removed from a poet”. We have seen evidence to the contrary, my friend.
Oh my. No smart-arse words from me today – just deep appreciation. Both images are truly beautiful. And, with every picture of yours telling far more than a thousand words, you are a poet. And a good one.
“No smart-arse words from me today”
Ok, Elephant’s Child – just this one time. But I want to see them again in the future. It wouldn’t be the same…
And thank you for the kind words.
Both photos are beautiful. The mood in the first one really speaks to me, and I can see why it does to you. There are things you can convey with a shot like this that a direct, eye-contact shot would never give.
“There are things you can convey with a shot like this that a direct, eye-contact shot would never give.”
That’s so true, Susan.
I don’t know why Barn Owls touch me so much, maybe it’s because they are so silent and look so peaceful. These images are so beautiful, you captured this female perfectly. The quiet snow is a perfect setting for this peaceful owls. Thank you so much Ron.
I have a similar reaction to them, Debbie – probably because they’re so absolutely unique in the “owl world”. And because they’re so very vulnerable…
Both sensational shots Ron! Best but shot I’ve ever seen. The entire scene is just gorgeous! The mood of tis shot is perfect! Words elude me when it comes to the owl, it’s simply perfection!
Charlotte
I agree, Charlotte – I think the mood of this image is a strong point. Thank you.
I am totally addicted to your amazing photographs and the stories that go along with them! Such a great way to start my day. Tahnk you. Every bird you shoot becomes my favorite bird!!!
Well, there’s certainly worse addictions to have, Ellen. I’m glad to hear you appreciate my narratives as well.
I just sent this post to my Mom. She would love to paint some of your images. Do you give permission for that Ron? She is a fantastic artist. I wanted to tell you too that my description of these Barn Owl photos to my Mom was that it almost physically hurts to look at them they are so beautiful. And it’s true!
Thank you so much, Deb. I’ll email you regarding your request.
Too cool for school Ron! It’s hard to believe a person can have so many favorite birds. Oh & favorite photographs of yours also! 🙂
I don’t believe that one can have too many “favorite birds”, Deb. 🙂
Ron–Do you write poetry? I know you photograph it.
Ha! I’m about as far removed from a poet as you can get, Patty! 🙂
Beautiful imagry ( both visually and descriptively ) Ron !
Thanks very much, John.
Hi Ron. Your first picture has tons of atmosphere.
Cheers, Paul.
Thank you, Paul.