L.O. Owl - Vertical Pano

Interesting looking bird, Terry. I'm not sure that your vertical pano idea works though. My first reaction here was that the owl is abnormally stretched by something wrong in image processing. I suspect that to show that the stretching is really a normal characteristic of this owl we need to see some vertical things in the image that have not been stretched and appear normal. It certainly does have shock value this way though!

Is this a hoax? I tend to be a little gullible, but I've never seen anything like this and well, frankly it's frightening! Kind of like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. Too cool if it's for real. Thanks for posting.

I agree with Steve's assessment... leave the shot as is which will show off the unique pose - otherwise it looks like it's been compressed in PS

Yes, it's for real!! Here's the full-frame version. Didn't do any editing/sharpening etc. to this one, just wanted to show that yes indeed, this is what they look like when they elongate themselves, trying to "be a tree".

Actually don't have it trimmed on the version on my website. Just thought I'd try the "pano" out here for reaction.

I'm used to seeing them like this, maybe that's why I prefer the trimmed one on top. The tree trunk to the right in the full-frame doesn't really add much for me.

For comparison, here's the normal body posture:
http://sdakotabirds.com/species_photos/long_eared_owl_19.htm

What a look-almost think he's wondering if you're buying the concealment posture. Great Job Terry, really nice capture.

The tree does help...a bit.....However, it still doesn't really give us something that we know is normal width. Anyway, I think that this is the best you can do with this image.. You might try using Photoshop to paste in the Owl with normal body shape beside this one to form a composite image. I did that once with a fluffed-up and un-fluffed-up warbler. I think it really communicated the difference. Anyway, assuming we know that this owl is really as he appears, it's a fine shot: nice color, detail and a bird peering right at us.

I really think it's cool. I do think the full frame version works better as the crop overaccentuates the unexpected stretched posture. Love those eyes and those feet.

Terry, since you posted the full-frame, I'll admit that I prefer it compositionally, but mostly because I like what the tree trunk adds to the image. However, I really like the original also, as I think the pano crop is a great way to illustrate this classic LEOW pose.

I've seen them do this a number of times, but never in such an open spot. I much prefer the uncropped version. Wonderful image detail - I'd love to have taken this.

I thought that this was some sort of joke, too! I think that Owls in general are pretty freaky creatures, and this just solidifies that for me. The larger version has some really nice detail, but I prefer the repost with the tree, as it adds something for me to compare the Owl to. Thanks for the education!

I didn't realize they could exhibit this behavior, pretty cool. Still looks like an issue with conversion between the old 4:3 to 16:9 format on the tv Amazing photo, good work.

Both versions are strong images IMO, sweet photo Terry!!!

Ken Archer

I like both versions. While I see what the others are saying about the pano version, I think it really emphasizes how neat this behavior/posturing is. Way to try something different.

Terry, I have never seen this behavior before and love the post...but I like the second one MUCH better. I agree with Steve's original assessment, but do think the uncropped version looks much more normal.

Terry, my reaction: Oh, my ...

What a grand way to show off the position of the bird. Unique.

Well done--both the shooting and the processing.

Even the re-post works.

Carol

I too like the uncropped version. To me it affirms that the image was not altered. Great shot!!

Dan

Thanks for all the comments on composition, much appreciated!!!

Seems like many who prefer the uncropped say so because the original version on top looks odd, like it's been digital altered or "stretched". Just wanted to mention that was my intention in doing the "pano" crop, to better emphasize the vertically stretched body position these guys do when approached. I agree, the weird stretching these guys do makes the top photo look digitally altered! Which was kind of my intention.

Very interesting since I have never heard of this and could not figure out what was going on, so this being new to me I happen to like the image with the tree trunk. A real good behavior shot and story, thanks for posting, very cool.

Fantastic Terry - I'd go with the repost as the vertical pano looks as if it's beem altered even when it hasn't. Amazing behaviour.

cheers
Rob