This dynamic push-off from the perch at takeoff reminds me of a sprinter coming out of the starting blocks.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this young bird in Box Elder County, Utah about two months ago as it launched from an extremely weathered old fence post. I especially like the horizontal angle of attack, the right foot pushing off the perch and the left foot appearing to move into position like that of a runner preparing to take the next step during acceleration. Typically I’d prefer the wings to be further extended than this but in this case I’m fine with the more streamlined effect of this wing position.
Photographing these young birds at takeoff was extremely challenging because they were practicing their very limited skills and you never knew at what angle or which direction they would launch. Sometimes they took off almost vertically but they could launch horizontally like this or even head downward for their burrow which was just below this perch.
The adults were a bit more predictable but they weren’t as much fun…
Ron
Fantastic!
Charlotte
This is a real “repeater”…I keep coming back to it, keep being drawn to it…really, REALLY like it…a LOT!!!
Good. I wasn’t sure how much appeal it would have with others because the wings aren’t out. But I think the legs make up for it…
Somedays life is a serious business for a young un.
Loved this. Of course. No britches, and I still loved it.
“No britches, and I still loved it.”
That’s saying a lot, EC. 🙂
Such a power to that shot! I really liked this.
Thank you, Arwen.
Ron, I really can’t add to what the others have said. I think the first two things that caught my eye where the fence post which brought back memories of my time in Eastern Washington in the Sagebrush country and the very serious intent look that the young owl had.
Was he thinking “this time I’m going to do it” or maybe it was “look out world here I come” or maybe “beware lizard.”
Thanks again for all your wonderful work.
David
I appreciate your nice comment, David. Thank you.
This youngster has a very focused, purposeful look on its face. This may be the most unusual position I’ve seen a bird in. An amazing shot! And it keeps drawing me back, because there’s so much to see.
I’m delighted that you like it so much, Susan. Thank you.
Oh WOW! That’s just fantastic. Takes my breath away!
Thank you, Sharon.
Wow! Takes my breath away… What a spectacular photo. Let’s see if I can muster that kind of momentum today… I can just imagine how thrilled you were to have captured this moment. Years of dedicated work meet yet another magic moment in time. Thanks!
I hope you found that momentum, Alison. I could use some of it myself today.
Can’t add much to what Dick and Jo Ann have already said. Love the weathered wood post, the hotizontal take-off and the unusually non-comical, serious expression. They usually look so funny, but not so much this time…
Patty – after I read Dick & your posts, I scrolled up to look at Ron’s photos of the Burrowing owls looking at us face on and they don’t look serious at all but when you have the angle in Ron’s photo today, you see the “eyebrow” feathers are much more dominate over the eye which gives this little guy a much more serious & even menacing look. I wouldn’t have thought to look without all of us commenting on it.
This youngster apparently had serious stuff on its mind, Patty…
fantastic shot
Thanks, Judy.
This is a great shot Ron, and I agree with your assessment, but what gets me every time with Burrowing Owls are their eyes. At times they look very comical, ready for a funny caption.
However this one looks completely focused and very serious on his/her objective. Did you capture where it went?
“Did you capture where it went?”
No, I didn’t, Dick. And at this point I can’t remember. Thank you.
He is just awesome, Ron!! The look of determination on his face and those piercing eyes is beautiful!! I’m also always amazed at those long legs – especially when they are on the ground & you don’t see them. I’m sure they are so much fun to watch. I’m just remembering the section on them in the PBS special “The Sagebrush Sea” – what curious, joyful owls they are!!
Thanks, Jo Ann. Burrowing Owls are known for their unusually long legs (for an owl). I enjoyed the Sagebrush Sea too.