With apologies to Yogi Berra for the liberties I took with my title I decided to post an image I’ve posted before, long ago. Here’s why.
- Yesterday my blog stats told me that one of my older posts had over 200 views from a site about owls originating in South Korea. Out of curiosity I visited the site but since I don’t know the Korean language I couldn’t figure out what their interest was in my post.
- That post had only two images, both of Burrowing Owls, and I suspect that the image below is the one that got their attention. I hadn’t seen that shot for a long time (I published that post 3 1/2 years ago) and seeing it again reminded me how much I liked it. But I wasn’t particularly happy with the way I had processed it so last night I reprocessed it and decided to post it again this morning. I suspect that few of my current readers have seen it (though I may have used it in the past for one of the thumbnails in my rotating header).
1/2500, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this juvenile owl on Antelope Island in July of 2012 soon after it took off from its sagebrush perch. Even though I had to add canvas for composition (the bird was fairly close to the frame edge) I like the image for a variety of reasons including:
- it’s fairly unusual for me to get a Burrowing Own in full flight
- the nice head turn with direct eye contact
- I like the way the scalloped shadow of the left wing that is cast onto the right wing mimics the actual scalloping on both wings
- I really enjoy seeing the distinctive white “eyebrows” above those yellow eyes so well. They have a three dimensional quality that appeals to me. The species is known for its eyebrows but I seldom see them this clearly, especially in flight
I just never know where the inspiration for my next post might originate. This time it came from the other side of the planet, almost…
Ron
I have three of these lovely burrowing owl pics on my walls at my house – the juveniles – with the yawn, curstesy of Elephants Child! I admire them ever day, as do others who visit! Everyone says: you like birds a lot, don’t you? Yes, yes I do…
It’s a splendid shot Ron!
Charlotte
Beautiful shot Ron.
Thanks, Jean.
What does the term ‘add canvas’ mean? I assume it has something to do with photoshop. Great photo. It has been many years since I have seen a Burrowing owl.
John, Adding canvas is using Photoshop or some other processing program to add space to one or more sides of an image and then fill that space in with background from the original image. If the background has little detail and/or is very soft (blurry) it can often be done unnoticeably.
In this case I did it to get better composition because the bird was too close to the edge of the frame to look good. I don’t like to do it but occasionally I do, though I always disclose what I’ve done.
Too many burrowing owls would be barely enough.
Love those eyebrows – perhaps because they remind me of my father who could plait his. And did, as a subtle symbol to my mother that he was bored if a social occasion went on longer than he liked…
“Too many burrowing owls would be barely enough”
Loved the way you said that, EC.
And your father sounds like quite the character.
I love this shot…for many reasons…almost as much as the “Zorro” image, posted a while ago, of the Burrowing owl peeking from behind and over his wing as if it was a cape…it’s the eye brows and the shadow that make this one special….
I remember that shot, Patty. Glad to hear it made such an impression on you. Thanks.
Lovely photo, Ron. Around here, Central California, we have many Burrowing Owls, but the population is dropping fast owing to our human habit of cementing every inch of “unused” land into parking lots and shopping malls. I haven’t seen many pictures of Burrowers that didn’t emphasize their cuteness. This one shows the fierceness and dignity they also possess.
Sallie, Burrowing Owl populations are dropping over much of their range and they’ve disappeared completely in some areas. There are several studies going on to try to find out why, though I suspect some of the reasons are obvious (like the one you mentioned).
Love this shot! Especially the details of the feather patterns and the facial expression. This bird looks like someone I wouldn’t want to mess with – it’s got a great look of determination on its face (and/or grumpiness)… I’m happy to see what you post from your archives because my experience with your blog doesn’t go as far back as this image.
“I’m happy to see what you post from your archives”
I’ll have to remember to do that occasionally, Susan. Thanks for the encouragement.
Beautiful! Colors, detail, pose and expression make it wonderful. It is interesting to go back and see where we were, and where we are now in what pleases us. 🙂 You must have a MUCH better indexing plan than I do! 🙂
Judy, I use Photoshop Elements for my organizer. It’s saved my bacon many, many times.
What a splendid shot, Ron. Love burrowing owls. They’re special critters that always make me giggle. This shot made me sigh with their beauty. Thank you!
Laura, there have been times when I’ve been photographing Burrowing Owls that I couldn’t keep my lens still from laughing. Missed some good shots that way.
Dick…here’s my attempt at athromorphizing.
“Monday. Again.” Commuter Owl
🙂
Good one Arwen!!
Thanks! 😀
I love this image Ron. The intensity is palpable, softened only by the shadow of the left wing. Just lovely.
Cathryn
I’m glad you like it, Cathryn. Thanks.
What a beautiful bird. Great photo Ron. Love the light, angle, and everything about it. Pretty new to your blog posts. Thanks for sharing again. That’s definitely a keeper.
Thanks very much, Colin.
Great image!!
I love the expression – as I try and think up some interesting phrase to anthropomorphize onto this owl!!
The rest can contemplate the art – but when you have an excellent image, sharp as a tack, my mind is in the moment and the expression.
Thanks Ron for sharing.
“my mind is in the moment and the expression”
Thanks, Dick. The bird almost looks grumpy, doesn’t it?
Grumpy, maybe – but I can’t look at a Burrowing Owl without chuckling or outright laughter – so I’m looking for a comical saying!
And, if I can;t come up with one, I’ll bet Patty can!
Wow – what a beauty he is, Ron!! So glad you dug this one out of your archives. The shadow of the left wing on the right was again something I didn’t notice until I read what you like about this photo. Burrowing Owls have come to be one of my favorite Raptors!!
Archive diving is one of the many joys of photography, Jo Ann. I’m glad you like that shadow too.