Finally, a N. Pygmy Owl

Gallery: AvianPosted January 9, 201198 views14 comments

This species is somewhat common in southern Oregon, but I've had zero luck finding one...and not for lack of effort. I finally had my chance after a birding buddy spotted this one a couple of days ago while on our way to some prime great grey habitat. While I almost always prefer to "shoot" alone, a second set of good eyes proved invaluable this time. Maybe I'll rethink going solo all the time. I

I knew this species was small, but I really couldn't believe my eyes when I finally came face to face with one.

I'm hooked on owls!

Canon 40D, 1-400mm, 1/500 @ 5.6, +1 stop, slight crop.

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on January 9, 2011 at 11:01 PM

Really nice photo of this tough species - just clone out the OOF stick coming out of the head and hang it on the wall!

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on January 9, 2011 at 11:08 PM

This is the only kind of owl I can ever find. I think you have a very lovely image. Great light. I love it when they turn their heads around like that. Luke is probably right about that one OOF limb behind the head.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 9, 2011 at 11:22 PM

Wonderful catch! I've never found any of these guys. Great stare, and he even has the remains of lunch on his beak.
I'd also clone out the other OOF branches around him on the right.
Nice!!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 10, 2011 at 12:03 AM

Sweet, Dan. Lovely light and a nice clear shot.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on January 10, 2011 at 12:53 AM

Congratulations, Dan. A fine shot in habitat. Love the light.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on January 10, 2011 at 8:37 AM

The larger version is so clear and so detailed. Great light.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 10, 2011 at 8:41 AM

great light and a great look, Dan. I can't find these guys either. I'd also consider cloning some of the oof branches.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on January 10, 2011 at 10:03 AM

Well done finding this Owl! It definitely is a difficult one to spot up here. Nice shot.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on January 10, 2011 at 12:46 PM

Terrific capture- Beautiful bird, great details and composition- Agree with cloning out the couple of out of focus sticks- a beauty anyway, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Moore on January 10, 2011 at 5:22 PM

I am not much of a cloner but I agree with the one branch on top comming off. Great shot and post!

Dan

Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on January 10, 2011 at 6:51 PM

A fine BIH image as posted Dan. I'm so very jealous - the only one if this species I've seen was a rehab bird living in a friends home many years ago. Once again, I love your enthusiasm for your subjects and experiences with them!

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on January 10, 2011 at 9:11 PM

I've only seen a couple of these in 16 years here in AZ and have no photos of them. I'd be thrilled with this. Very nice detail and light.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by richard remington on January 10, 2011 at 10:44 PM

I can see why you are hooked on Owls. A shot like this will do that to you. It is really a magnificent shot and I like the fact that you did not overcrop and gave it some room.

Rick

Registered on March 12, 2010, 105 Posts, 368 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on January 11, 2011 at 10:02 PM

I like this image. Love the downward gaze that appears to be just for you. Owls are great and I'm glad you got to image this one.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments