It’s my working theory that Burrowing Owls may lean into the take-off (from an elevated perch) at a flatter angle than most other raptors. The angle of launch of this juvenile is just one of many examples I’ve photographed recently.
1/4000, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
The youngster was perched on this old fencepost in Box Elder County just over a week ago when it apparently reacted to another owl in the distance by…
1/4000, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
turning toward it and beginning to call out. Only one of the many vocalizations of Burrowing Owls is referred to as a “scream” and I can’t recall the sound this bird made so it may be literary license for me to refer to it as such but I went with it anyway. This bird called out repeatedly before, during and after take-off. It definitely wasn’t reacting to my presence – I’m pretty sure it was in response to one of its nearby family members though I suppose it’s possible that it was because of another raptor it saw in the distance.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
As the owl took off…
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 640, 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
it squatted down and launched in an almost horizontal angle. I’ve seen and photographed this many times recently when Burrowing Owls take off from an elevated perch. I can’t help but wonder if they launch at such an angle in order to take advantage of the extra momentum available by pushing off with their extra-long legs. That’s just a theory from an amateur of course but it’s something that I’ve noticed so many times that my mind definitely goes there.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 640, 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
The next shot (the last 3 shots are consecutive images in a burst that spanned approximately .3 sec) shows that the bird actually did take off horizontally and I suspect that if the image had been taken a millisecond earlier it would show both legs extended straight back to the perch from the push-off.
Yes I know, once again I’m fiddling around in “much ado about nothing” territory but I can’t help myself. There’s good reason(s) for the unusually long legs of Burrowing Owls – one of them is so they can see their surroundings better from the burrow but perhaps they’ve “learned” to take advantage of them in other ways too.
Ron
I loved this series. Thanks for sharing it.
My latest face plant also left me with a scarred top lip. With luck I have got out of the habit…
I hope we’ve both gotten past that!
The ‘little things’ are huge in my world. And those nothings fill me with wonder, with awe and delight.
On the other side of the world, well before dawn, I am learning and screaming (quietly) with delight. No leaning here though. Way too early for a face plant.
It’s ALWAYS too early for a face plant, isn’t it, EC? Thank you.
It IS always too early for a face plant. I did one about 6-½ years ago and ended up with 17 stitches. It left me with a permanent scar on my upper lip. Face plants are bad news.
It’s never about nothing. Every detail reveals more about bird life, and allows your own sensitivity to the details of life to grow. Those are very, very good things. Absolutely thrilling photos.
“It’s never about nothing”
That’s my belief also, Deborah. Every little bit of info adds up to a more complete and accurate “big picture”.
A wonderful seriesy! I would suspect your theory about their taake off strategy is right…sure looks that way…my favorite is the first…that “Owl Scowl” is so typical of them…and so funny!!!
“I would suspect your theory about their take off strategy is right”
Patty, I have other images where the take off angle is even more exaggerated than it is in this 4th photo so I really think that “my theory” might have some validity, minor as it may be.
What a sensational series Ron! Thanks for sharing! Happy July 4th and God keep our Country Free!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
I’m glad you’ve been able to spend so much time with Burrowing Owls. They are guaranteed to bring a smile to my face, no matter what they are doing. I like all of these shot a lot.
They are smile producers aren’t they, Susan? Thank you.
Just wonderful!!!
Thanks, Gena.