Something about this image has always bothered me a little. But no longer…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is an older shot (June, 2010) of a male Short-eared Owl carrying a vole in flight. It’s delivering breakfast to its mate and two chicks in the nest (if you look closely you can see the beady little black eyes of the rotund rodent). Many folks believe that any close shot of an owl in flight and coming toward the viewer has likely been baited. Throw in prey and the chances of baiting are increased even more. But I can assure you that this owl was not baited. In fact, short of photographing birds at my backyard feeder for practice (which may or may not be considered baiting), I do not bait. Ever.
In that context the piece of debris sticking out from the neck region of the vole has always bothered me because some might see it as evidence of baiting – thinking it resembles a piece of snare string or wire used in capturing the vole and/or holding it in place. For that reason I’ve never done much with this image.
I’ve always assumed that the piece of debris was picked up and held in place by the talons of the owl as it captured the vole but yesterday I took a closer look and I’ve changed my mind.
Meadow Voles eat vegetation, tubers and roots and to my eye this extreme crop of the same image reveals that the “debris” is actually in the mouth of the vole. What we’re seeing is likely part of the last meal of the portly prey. I suspect the rodent was scooped up out of the grass by the owl while it was dining.
And that makes me feel a little better about the image. It would have been easy to clone the debris out of the photo but that’s something I really don’t like to do and now I’m not even tempted.
It’s funny what goes through my mind about some of my photos. I knew the truth all along of course and looking back I now know that I should never have been concerned about the perception of baiting with this image. Folks will think what they think.
I was probably a little paranoid about it. Live and learn…
Ron
Love your work Ron, so glad I found your blog!
Great shot and interesting observations!
Charlotte
I am always so delighted to read posts from photographers who put ethics before anything else in their photography. Welcome the comments from those that may challenge your images, Ron. Then proudly share your stance on baiting for others to admire and hopefully learn from.
Daniel
Lovely image, Ron!
Ron, I agree with all of the other comments and want to add that I think it’s especially important to post images like this — with clear disclaimers about how the photo was not baited or otherwise acquired unethically. I think that’s the best educational tool, to show what *wasn’t* done so as to draw attention to the dubious tactics people sometimes *do* use in order to get these shots. I think if more ethical photographers added “not baited, lured, etc.” it would finally become so commonly known, that people would start asking about those images where no disclaimer was present. It would be tougher for photographers to get away with questionable ethics. Just my POV.
Given what you’ve been through with some folks, I can’t blame you for being paranoid. Those of us who have gotten to know you are aware of the truth about you and baiting. This is a beautiful photo and I’m glad that you are finally comfortable with posting it.
I see you have a good “Feathered Photography memory”, Susan. Yes, I’ve had a few run-ins with some folks in my blogging history. Thankfully, they’re few and far between.
Really awesome shot!
Thank you, Arwen.
Well, it’s bothered me for the last five years that you baited that owl for a photograph —–
If we had not come to know you as a person of integrity your following would have been diminishing over the years, not increasing!
What a terrific example of ethics you have been!
So nice of you to say so, Wally. I guess I do what I do (and don’t do what I don’t do) partly for selfish reasons. I like to sleep at night…
PS. Those who do bait, should be forced to eat voles (and pocket gophers)….
And grasshoppers. And dead, stinking fish.
Ron, for what it’s worth, I never doubted your honesty. Have you ever considered running for public office? America could use someone with your integrity. It’s a great capture and thank you for your beautiful work. I love starting off the day with your inspiring photography.
“Have you ever considered running for public office?”
Made me laugh, John. Can’t think of many things I’d rather NOT be than a politician. Thank you for the vote of confidence, though…
I’d NEVER suspect you of baiting…it’s not in you to do it….perish the thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Once again, I feel soooooo sorry for the dinner guest, thpugh happy for the chef.
“Once again, I feel soooooo sorry for the dinner guest, though happy for the chef.”
That’s about how I feel, Patty.
Absolutely wonderful image of the owl.
Could your “vole” be a pocket gopher? Possibly the debris was being stuffed into a “pocket”. It is hard to tell if the bulge on the right side of the critters face is a stuffed pocket or some tissue being pushed out by the owl’s talon. It might explain the “fat” appearance. Just a thought.
“Could your “vole” be a pocket gopher?”
It’s certainly possible, Bob. I wondered about that but I’m sure no mammologist. I just don’t know for sure. I appreciate the thought.
Hi Ron,
As I told you in an email a couple of years ago, you are the person who made me fully aware of baiting. I give presentations that deal with the “Field Of Wonder” and those talks benefit from images that some very good photographers have allowed me to use. Once I learned about baiting, I did some research and subsequently removed ALL ibaited mages from my talks. Not natural, not in my talks. So, thanks again for that lesson.
Now, about that stick in the vole’s mouth: remember the old cowboy movies where someone has to perform surgery and there is a need to relieve pain, but there is no anesthetic? Maybe this is the vole’s way of “biting the bullet” (insert smiley face here)…
Cheers,
Dick
I remember that email, Dick. Baiting raptors (owls especially) has become commonplace and I think that reflects poorly on the ethics of photographers who do it and there’s much evidence that it’s also harmful to the birds. I find the practice despicable.
“Biting the bullet” works for me! Perhaps the vole also knocked down a shot or two of whiskey before the end…
On every picture you take you write “not baited, set up or called in”. For me that is enough.
I have never doubted. You are too good to need to do such things.
Wonderful photo.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your confidence in me, Jorge. Much appreciated!
Ron, sure looks clear to me. Your photos are so good and I was focusing on the vole that I was thinking that was something the vote had picked up. Great photos and descriptions. Your comments have made me a better and more consistent observer of all life–birds especially. Thanks
“Your comments have made me a better and more consistent observer of all life–birds especially”
Good! I’m delighted to hear that, Diana. Just writing my blog has made me a better observer too.
Those that read your posts know full well that you do not bait, that you are an honest forthright person and photographer. This shot is excellent, you were at the right spot at the right time. Man, that is one fat Meadow Vole, and I’m sure as one from some distance can be, that he was more involved in eating then watching out for predators. Did a summer home range study on Meadow Voles back in the late 60’s, and all the ones I caught and banded were no where near as fat as this one.
Great shot Ron, thanks.
Dick, I’ve seen a lot of voles in my time, both as prey and just scurrying through the grass, and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one this fat either. I’m glad they have a good life before they contribute to the larders of raptors and other carnivores.