Tree Hugger

Gallery: AvianPosted January 31, 2012276 views21 comments

Humans that stand in the way of "progress" to save critical wildlife habitats are often called "tree huggers." I think I can safely say this barred owl is a tree hugger in the literal sense, if not the figurative. However, I am sure it values its wet woods as much as a bird can.

FYI: This bird is not looking at me. It is looking at another owl in a tree across the small opening where this was shot.

Please view the larger image for max details.

I did not go with more DOF in this shot because the Spanish moss in the BG was right behind the bird and I wanted to keep it blurred.

Canon 1DM4
500mm f/4 + 1.4x TC
ISO 800
1/2500s
f/6.3
Manual exp.
Hand held from my boat
65% of FF

Comments

21 comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on January 31, 2012 at 4:22 PM

A unique and alluring pose this owl is presenting in nice light. Interesting double catch light in both eye's, perhaps a water refelction. Excellent sharpness where it counts. Sweet Photo Ron

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on January 31, 2012 at 5:20 PM

Interesting shot Ron. A very unique pose. Your specs didn't mention flash. Don't know if flash was used or not, but the image has that feel to it for me. The double catchlights are one of the reasons I'm guessing. It feels just a bit heavy with flash (if indeed my guess is right).

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on January 31, 2012 at 5:33 PM

Keith, your guess is incorrect. No flash. I never use flash on birds, especially owls. If I did I would include it in my techs. This bird is over water in a cypress tree (see my techs stating "Hand held from my boat"), so the second catchlight is water reflected sun. This is early morning light. Sorry, can't control the intensity of the sun like you can flash. If you don't believe me you can check the EXIF data I am sure. Cheers.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on January 31, 2012 at 6:16 PM

Riveting gaze and a unique position. I like how you handled the background here Ron, very neat image.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on January 31, 2012 at 6:45 PM

I think this is one of my faves. I really like the light and your choice of dof is perfect IMO Amazing detail Ron

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 31, 2012 at 7:55 PM

Wonderful and unique pose, fine detail, and love that face and yes.
You know, this is getting really tedious.. shot after shot of near-perfection...

Sandy

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

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on January 31, 2012 at 8:27 PM

This is precisely how I saw my first adult Barred Owl - and this Owl wasn't looking at me but rather the snake on the shore next to my kayak... wonderful image though I would consider darkening the wood of the tree just a touch

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

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on January 31, 2012 at 8:55 PM

I really like the light, the pose and the color pallette in this shot. Excellent work.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on January 31, 2012 at 9:05 PM

Hi Ron

Thanks for the info and clarification.

. If you don't believe me you can check the EXIF data I am sure. Cheers.

No need to check. You said so, so I believe you.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on January 31, 2012 at 9:13 PM

Very, very nice. Excellent detail and pose. Good thinking on the DOF.

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

Comment posted by Angela McCain on January 31, 2012 at 9:35 PM

Excellent image with amazing detail. You said you used less DOF, but the sharp focus on eye and in the talons looks spot on to me. Seems you chose the perfect number.

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

Comment posted by Mark Schiebelbein on January 31, 2012 at 10:09 PM

Such an intense look on this guy! Quick thinking on the DOF. I like how the beak and claws stand out.

Registered on November 8, 2008, 55 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on February 1, 2012 at 8:49 AM

Another great image of this beautiful bird.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on February 1, 2012 at 5:46 PM

Interesting pose. Great detail. An outstanding series.

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 2, 2012 at 12:33 PM

Wonderful detail on the owl and a very unique pose with how it is hanging off the tree. What a wonderful find to be able to watch and photograph these owls, well done Ron.

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

Comment posted by Rebecka on February 3, 2012 at 12:25 AM

I've come back to look at this image about 10 times. It's so unique. The shot makes me wonder and try to imagine - what was happening... and what happened next?!

Registered on February 5, 2009, 170 Posts, 924 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on February 3, 2012 at 7:24 AM

Rebecka, I am glad this image has captivated you. That is what I strive for in my photography. To capture moments that really grab people's attention.

To answer your question, the owl was working on setting up its breeding territory at the time. Other owls were doing the same thing. That is why they were so active and flying around. This owl had flown out to this tree in response to the calls of another owl in a tree nearby. It then flew toward the other owl and drove it off.

I found out the hard way what these birds were doing when one flew right at me to drive me off. I don't think I look like an owl, but I guess when they are in an aggressive mood and setting up territories they react to other things besides owls.

It seems the territories have been established now, because the last time I went back to see if I could get some more shots, the owls were there, but they just sat in a tree, and for the most part, only one of the pair was even visible. That tells me it is nesting time.

Maybe once they have young in the nest they will come out again and fly around more in the search for food for the owlets. We shall see.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on February 4, 2012 at 11:19 AM

what a wild pose, Ron--it surprises me that they can cling to the side of a tree like that. very interesting to hear about their behavior--it sounds like you timed things just perfectly in terms of getting all those spectacular flight shots.

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

Comment posted by David Haynes on February 6, 2012 at 1:16 AM

Ron,
Sorry to be late to the party here but I'm in comment mode now and came across this very nice capture. A unique pose for sure. Great choice on your f stop to blur out the SM in the back ground. Larger post shows off great detail and a double catch light in both eyes. I'm definitely not tired of these yet. Keep them coming. Looking forward to more of your Burrowing owl as well Ron.

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

Comment posted by Rohn B. McKee on March 1, 2012 at 8:07 AM

Really nice capture
I like the composition, subject and sharpness.

Registered on November 18, 2008, 109 Posts, 415 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on March 18, 2012 at 10:10 AM

Wonderful pose and I like this comp. Excellent detail, great DOF too.
Nice call on the title as well Ron

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments