Short Eared Owl Camo

Gallery: AvianPosted February 5, 2011112 views10 comments

Canon 1D Mark 4 With EF 500mm f4 & 1.4 tc
1/320 sec, F6.3, ISO 640

Had another go at some short eared owls. This one was shot in light overcast. It depicts how well these birds blend into their environment. I was lucky enough to have this one fly right at me and perch 30 feet away.Thanks for looking.

Michael Lotito
Aquebogue, NY

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on February 5, 2011 at 5:08 PM

Michael,
Great stroke of luck. Very nice details with such a busy background. Yes, you can see how they can just blend right in to the environment. Great head turn and very clear, intense eyes. NICE

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on February 5, 2011 at 5:28 PM

The owl and the grasses it is perching on are great, Michael. The OOF BG looks a little noisy. I also like the story this tells of camouflage.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on February 5, 2011 at 5:42 PM

I keep looking... and keep not finding! You seem to have the magic owl touch... love the habitat. Coud be a touch sharper though.

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

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on February 5, 2011 at 9:52 PM

Wow, I must be wearing owl repelent. This is great and the plumage sure blends in with the environment. I agree that another round sharpening might be in order, but what a wonderful shot and experience.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on February 6, 2011 at 4:45 AM

Love the setting Michael and great eye contact

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 6, 2011 at 7:20 AM

Michael,

I love the habitat in this image, the direct stare of the short-eared and the soft light. I agree with Luke, the bird could be sharper, not by much. That might also make the owl stand out a bit more. Love the tones in this photo.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 6, 2011 at 3:17 PM

Real nice interaction with this short eared Michael. The eye contact and head turn is very pleasing. They really can blend into their surroundings well can't they.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on February 6, 2011 at 3:37 PM

Very nice pose, eye contact and habitat.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 6, 2011 at 3:39 PM

I love the setting and the composition is excellent. The colors are so harmonious, I can see how the owl would disappear to the eye unless he moved. Looks to me that the owl could use a bit more sharpening.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 8, 2011 at 11:13 AM

Wonderful look from the owl and what an environment to blend in, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments