I suppose I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to the perches my birds choose. I strongly dislike power poles (with their wires, insulators and steep angles) and I have similar attitudes toward various types of signs, metal fence posts and shiny new wire (if the metal posts and wire are old and have a rusty patina they’re not quite so bad). Gnarly old and weathered wooden fence posts are a big step in the right direction. But given a choice my preference is for natural perches that include as little evidence as possible of the “hand of man”.
The mantra of some that if a perch or setting is “good enough for the bird it should be good enough for the photographer” just doesn’t cut it with me. I consider myself to be primarily a nature photographer and a bird perched on a stop sign or something similar holds little appeal for me unless there’s some kind of interesting behavior involved.
Humans have altered the environment so drastically over the years that many of the traditional natural perches are no longer available to birds so I’m glad that they’ve been able to adapt to using (and hunting from) artificial alternatives like poles, posts and signs. But my goal (often an unachievable one) is to photograph them in a natural-looking setting.
And some unnatural perches have more appeal for me than others.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this adult Short-eared Owl about five weeks ago in northern Utah. I like the even light on the bird, the clean, creamy background and the fine plumage detail we see, including the fringed ends of the primary and secondary fight feathers on the left wing (that fringing contributes to the “silent flight” of owls).
And I even like that fence post perch. It’s old and weathered and there’s no paint on it (other than bird whitewash…) but its primary appeal for me is the forked branching of the limb or trunk of the tree it was cut from. “Natural looking” is a matter of degree instead of an absolute and to me this post has more appeal (and looks a little more natural) than most straight, vertical posts.
Many bird photographers who supposedly agree with me about natural perches use setups to “solve” the problem. They typically install attractive, natural-looking perches in good light with perfect (often artificial) backgrounds and then either bait birds in to the perches with food or use electronic calls to attract them. Or both. To me there’s nothing “natural” at all about these setups (neither the perches or the behaviors are natural) and I simply won’t use them.
Anyway, those are some of my thoughts on the subject of perches. I’m sure opinions will vary…
Ron
Note: I’d prefer to avoid the debate over what is truly “natural” and what isn’t. In my experience that discussion often deteriorates into a bottomless pit of extreme opinions on both sides (by a few) and no one ever seems to learn anything (or change their minds) as a result of the banter. It’s almost like arguing about politics or religion.
Been there, done all three…
I love the look of the mantle feathers on this owl. Plus, the short ears look like little horns to me.
Good eye, Pam. I don’t think most folks would have even noticed those little “ears”.
Ooooh.
And thank you. Education and beauty (with some humour and pathos) are what I expect when I visit each day. And are what I receive.
Thank you, EC.
I’m a little late on this one!
Great image of the Owl!
I agree in almost every aspect. When I’m out and about all my bird pictures are taken in the wild. There has been no set-up at all. No calling in, no food thrown or bait set down, none of that stuff. I don’t believe in it and have a great deal of difficulty, rather obsessive against that type of behavior.
However, I have to admit that at home do I take pictures for fun, or take pictures of interesting behavior around our bird feeders? Yes. When a Downy Woodpecker is feeding from a hummingbird feeder, I think that is an interesting shot. Have I tried for one of those? Yes. Have I been successful, NO! Do I record Purple Martin behavior around our PUMA pole and gourds? Yes. A lot of these pictures are for documentation and are not images for sale. I’ve said enough.
Dick, I shoot hummers and Bullock’s Orioles near my feeders too but I only do it for practice. It’s a great training ground!
Ron, I do something similar to what you do, but not on a daily basis. I take a lot of “nature shots,”
concentrating more on birds than any other subject, with the continuing desire to get action, and
behavioral images i the process. Through the years I have amassed a folder with about 120 email
address. These are individuals that have said they wanted to receive my little “photo/stories,” so,
when I get one of these all “put together,” out it goes. Then, immediately, or through time, I start
to receive replies, with comments, and many questions. I reply to every one, in detail, so I do
understand, and appreciate the effort you put in. There is no doubt that being a “teacher,” is in
your DNA. I believe that “excellent teachers” are born, and dang few are “made.” Tell me… when
did you first start telling others what you had learned, and things that they wanted to know? I’m
guessing it was when you were still relatively young. When ever it was, thanks for being such a
great, and enthusiastic teacher… ;-)))
“when did you first start telling others what you had learned”
It wasn’t until I was in my early 20’s and had started teaching, Roger. Prior to that I was too shy to presume that I could offer much that would be of interest to others.
Roger Burnard, well said, good teachers are naturals. Ron I am glad you got over your shyness.
Me too, April. If I hadn’t I’d have had a very painful 33 years in the classroom!
Beautiful. I noticed you shutter speed and ISO where set high, was that in case the owl flew? My friend and I took a early road trip, 5 am, last weekend. We saw 17 owls only 2 being Burrowing Owls, 15 were Short Eared Owls. I have never seen so many. We got some beautiful photos, plus it was a thrill to just observe the birds. I was hoping they would preen or give me some different behavior, but they just enjoyed sitting in the morning sun warming up and surveying their area. All birds were sitting on man made fences probably because it was the tallest object out there giving them a nice perch to hunt from. I love going to this area but I worry of it developing with all the human growth we are experiencing in Utah.
“I noticed you shutter speed and ISO where set high, was that in case the owl flew”
No, it wasn’t, April. I was much too close for takeoff shots. It was because my previous subject was in different light and when I approached this owl I didn’t have time to change any settings. This bird gave me less than a second with it before it turned and took off away from me. I should have mentioned all that in my text.
I think I know the area you’re talking about and agree that it’s extremely difficult to find them perched on anything but fence posts out there. And I have the same worry about development as you do.
Not sure if I’ve said this before, Ron, but one of the reasons I love your photography so much (there are dozens of reasons) is your basic ethics and integrity in obtaining your shots. That’s incredibly important to me for a number of reasons. And your ethics and integrity show through your photography like a shining beacon.
Just wanted you to know that.
Much appreciated, Laura. Thank you.
There are many blogs “out there,” and just as many blog creators,
but few of the “creators” take the time, and make the effort to
respond in such detail to viewer comments. This action that you
take each, and every day (mostly) is wonderful, and much appreciated
by your faithful followers. Maybe this added effort on your part is one
of the reasons you have so many individuals that follow, and love your
blog… not only for the incredible photos, but also for the biological
knowledge that you deliver. Thanks for all of this, and more… ;-)))
I’m glad you appreciate the feedback from me, Roger – thanks. There are times when I worry that I dominate the conversation too much – it can be a fine line between too much and too little…
Artistically, this is about as good as it can get….
Ha, sounds like I lucked out again… 🙂
Luck, shmuck. Dedication and practise.
Natural perches are preferable to me. That being said there are times I’ll take what I can get! 🙂 Beautiful shot of the owl and the post adds to rather than detracts from it. 🙂
Thanks very much, Judy.
I’m with you on natural vs manmade perches…especially love old, weathered wood, fence post or tree.as opposeded to anything metal. I hate, hate, hate any sign of barbed wire (what I call “Devil’s wire)..I have good reason to hate it….this shot is especially pleasing for several reasons–it’s a wonderful, crisp, detailed shot of the bird, it’s an old, weathered wood post, at an interesting angle, and I love the way the bird’s body is snugged into that angle.although I’ve never had any personal experience with short-ears, through your and Mia’s photos, they have become one of my favorite birds….I lve them almost as much as magpies and Burrowing owls…
Thanks, Patty. I truly hope you get to see a SEO one day – they’re absolutely captivating birds.
Your pictures are beautiful as always. I agree with you on natural perches 200%!! But I can’t be choosy. If I see a raptor I’m going to photo it no matter what he’s standing on. … I have yet to see a short eared owl. Let alone take a picture like that. Ohhh your Ferruginous with the wings down was a killer!!!
I agree, Marina – raptors are hard to resist, no matter the perch. I take many shots that will never see the light of day for just that reason…
I agree with you about the whole subject of natural. One of the things I dislike about set-up shots is that they look fake. Conversely, by leaving things natural, I find that you capture personality characteristics of birds that set-up photographers have no clue about. The one exception I take to disliking man-made perches is when the bird chooses to perch for long periods on a no parking sign (or something with similar somewhat ironic humor). Love the feather detail on this photo.
I take those kinds of “ironic humor” shots on signs too, Susan. And I do enjoy many of them. A raptor perched on (and hunting from) a “no hunting” sign at a refuge is another example.
All other considerations aside, this particular perch is not only non-intrusive, it’s a lovely compositional element–its diagonal sweep lends a gentle dynamic quality, and serves to underscore
the beautiful arc of the resting wing and draws attention to those gorgeous flight feathers–good one, Ron !
You’re absolutely right, Kris. Good points and good eye!
I have to agree with what you say and I certainly agree with Charlotte that this is a beautiful shot of one exquisite animal! Perch, “whitewash” and all!
If I may ask one question about photographing Owls? Would you ever consider using a Flash to light an owl that was deep in foliage and poorly lite with natural light, say in the top of a fully leafed out Sycamore tree?
Thank you in advance for any reply ;~)
Alan, IMO, using flash on owls at night is not only extremely rude but unethical. But it sounds like you’re asking about using fill flash during daytime and I don’t think that’s a significant problem.
But personally, I don’t do either one. Most (though not all) of the time flash looks artificial on birds because it tends to fill in natural fine shadows in the plumage and elsewhere that should be there. Just my opinion…
Good answer…
And that’s just what I hoped to get Ron, your opinion ;`)
I completely agree and would NEVER think to “flash an owl at night! I did however, in a “fit of excitement”, use fill flash on a Spotted Owl deep in foliage about 60 feet in the air. That was my one and only attempt, the results were as bad as you’d suggested they would be.
I guess what surprised me the most was the angry yells & cat calls I got from neighbors/passerby’s! The owl was awake, with prey in its talon, looking around and at me. I don’t like to be yelled at so I must admit I let my temper get the better of me. The more people complained (and I mean “in my face”) the more pics I took ;~(
I’ve never done that again and have no intention of using fill flash on any bird, although in my little circle of shooter friends that’s a common practice for hawks.
Thanks again for your advice, much appreciated.
You’re very welcome, Alan. I appreciate your honesty.
Wonderful shot Ron!
Thank you, Charlotte.