I’ll have to ponder it for a while but this may turn out to be one of my three favorite Burrowing Owl images of all time.
1/4000, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
This is one of the juvenile Burrowing Owls I photographed a week ago in Box Elder County. The unusually long legs of the species are an adaptation to their ground-dwelling lifestyle and that extreme length (for an owl) became even more apparent with this take off pose.
Every time I look at this photo my eyes go to those legs but a variety of other features of the image also appeal to me including the twisting, leaning take-off posture, the wing position, the head turn with good light on the face, the rustic weather-beaten fence post perch and the sharpness of the bird including the wings. The combination of a high shutter speed and a pose that put the entire length of the wings in almost the same plane as the body of the bird allowed the wings to be sharper than I usually expect to get in this type of shot and I like that.
Burrowing Owls seem to have had a banner nesting season this year as I don’t believe I’ve ever seen so many juveniles in some areas of northern Utah. Their numbers have declined drastically in the last 50 years and they’re listed as a Species of Special Concern here in Utah and in 7 other western states so I couldn’t be happier about their apparent breeding success.
Ron
PS – Just in case anyone is curious about my other two “favorite” Burrowing Owl images I’ve included them below (even though I’ve posted them previously).
Stunning work!
Hi Ron. I am a little behind on your blogs and don’t want to rush through them. These photos are awesome. I have seen the other two. No matter what these little owls do it is always adorable and cute. One can’t look at these and not smile. I never realized their legs were that long. I have never saw them stretched out before. Thanks for teaching me something new.
I am the grateful (and proud) owner of the middle photo (and two others) given to me by the wonderful Elephants Child!! It hangs on my wall, with other animals – we have photos and drawings of amphibians, rabbits, burrowing owls, a dog (ours) and many others…
I remember that gift, Nicky. Delighted to hear that you’re enjoying it.
Hi! Love them, love all the poses! Have a great day1 Stay out of the 100* heat!
Awesome shots Ron! Thanks so much for sharing!
Charlotte
Wonderful shots Ron! Oohs and aahs!
That’s great news Ron. Love all of the pictures!
Ooooooh.
Their choreographer is amazing and the execution incredible.
Thanks to all involved…
Love that first image. Looks like an elegant owl ballet move. And, of course, the other two photos just make me smile! Isn’t Mother Nature grand! Thank you for your marvelous photos.
These are some great images, as always. I have to wonder if the rodent population hasn’t exploded given natures habit of increasing the predator population to maintain a balance?
John, The vole population has definitely made a huge comeback this year. The number of voles I’m seeing this year is very noticeably larger than I’ve seen in the last several years – good news for raptors!
Rabbits, both jacks and cottontails, are also apparently rebounding.
WOW…some of your best yet…love the head positions..wonder if that helps them hear better. Sure makes for great pictures!!
Thanks very much, Jerry.
Yet another classic! I leave fewer replies as I generally am reviewing your posts on an iTouch, but please know that your wonderful photos continue to light up my mornings.
It’s nice to know you’re still out there, Alison – iTouch or not.
Love these photos. What a little model this bird is. It looks to be posing for the camera. The first one needs to be called ‘Tiny Dancer’ and backed up with the Elton John song!!! These are just a whole bushel of CUTE!!!!!
Thank you Ron!
“These are just a whole bushel of CUTE”
Well said, Deborah. Thank you.
LOVE all three photos, Ron & am thrilled about the good season this year. These are such great owls, the more the merrier. They make me laugh out loud with their head turns & facial expressions – they must be the comedians of the owl species!!
“they must be the comedians of the owl species!!”
I don’t thing there’s any question about that, Jo Ann. They’re loaded with personality and behaviors that humans find amusing and endearing.
Like Ms Stone, I immediately thought of a ballet dancer–not exactly what you’d associate with a Burrowing Owl ! It’s a wonderful trio of shots……….
I’m glad you enjoyed them, Kris. Thank you.
It’s no secert how much I love these funny little owls and how they lighten my spirits…so thank you! Your timing is great!!! What they do with their heads is so funny…. That first one, so incredibly graceful, reminds me of an Olympic skater going for the gold…thanks, again….
I thought about that timing when I posted this, Patty. I wish you the very best!
Oceans of caring are flooding your way from here too Patty.
Wow! Incredible shot! This is an owl-shaped ballet dancer. The other rather amazing thing about this new one is that it is a serious photo. Most of the time Burrowing Owl shots become favorites because the juveniles are so goofy – one of my favorites is the one you recently posted of the three juveniles following a beetle.
I like that beetle shot too, Susan – but then I do have a hankering for behavioral images.
Amazing shots!!!
Thanks, Gena.
It appears to be doing its Rudolf Nureyev imitation, and you have captured it beautifully. Wonderful image, Ron!
Cheers,
Dick
Thank you, Dick.