Northern Hawk Owl

Gallery: AvianPosted December 9, 2012312 views20 comments

Last week in the middle of a blinding snow storm I got a call from a fellow birder who said he had a hawk owl in his yard. So with my new Nikon D800 in my hand I headed out. I wouldn't even have attempted this shot with my D300s. I caught him trying to clear some of the snow off his feathers.

Nikon D800, 300 2.8 lens, ISO 640, 1/320, f4.5 I was able to brace the camera against the corner of the house.

Thanks for looking and critiques appreciated.

May

Comments

20 comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on December 9, 2012 at 5:27 PM

Great shot and the snow adds a lot. However, with owls, it's all about the eyes. Wish he had cooperated and opened them up.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on December 9, 2012 at 6:03 PM

I'd be very happy with this shot in my collection. I've only seen two of this species (one New York, one PA) and neither was close enough for photos. The closed eyes are not an issue for me.

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

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on December 9, 2012 at 6:17 PM

Wonderful shot! You got a great pose, and the snow and BG colours are beautiful. I don't mind at all that it's eyes are closed.

Sandy

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

Comment posted by Fred Laberge on December 9, 2012 at 7:14 PM

Wonderfully done, especially handheld in that light.

Registered on December 2, 2012, 3 Posts, 17 Comments

Comment posted by Alan Murphy on December 9, 2012 at 7:45 PM

Great preening pose. I would give the bird another round of sharpening.

Registered on December 3, 2003, 192 Posts, 739 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on December 9, 2012 at 7:46 PM

Wonderful shot May, nice feather detail.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on December 9, 2012 at 9:28 PM

I like this a lot, May. What a contortionist! Color palette is very nice, lots of detail, nice perch, and an interesting pose. Lots of detail there too. And finally, I like all the snow. That 800 really did a nice job for you.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on December 9, 2012 at 10:04 PM

This is awesome May

A wonderful wintry scene with this incredible bird, great facial expression.

Sweet Photo!!!

Ken Archer

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

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on December 10, 2012 at 12:58 AM

I like this as posted May-love the preening stretch and the snowy habitat. I had an opportunity to photograph a Hawk Owl a couple of years ago when they erupted into Vermont-terrific bird, and this image showcases them well IMO.

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

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on December 10, 2012 at 4:16 AM

Excellent image. You captured that preening moment in an esthetically pleasing manner. Snow flurries and a nice BG. The closed yes are not an issue for me at all. In fact, I think that wide open eyes would look unnatural given the behavior and the environment.

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on December 10, 2012 at 6:51 AM

Nice one May - looks like it's about to sneeze

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

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on December 10, 2012 at 9:27 AM

Wonderful shot May. Lovely subject and nice, wintery atmosphere ! Like it a lot ! Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Turner on December 10, 2012 at 9:45 AM

Very well done May

A great moment of capture with shutter speed perfect for snow falling.

Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on December 10, 2012 at 1:04 PM

Wonderful mood in this image, May. I actually like the squinting expression on the owl's face. The snow is a great bonus. Glad you were able to capture this!

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on December 10, 2012 at 1:58 PM

Unique shot May, love the pose. The falling snow, character perch and the color in the background puts this over the top. Congratulations on this nice find and on the new camera!

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on December 10, 2012 at 3:56 PM

Excellent shot all the way around. I like the composition and falling snow, nice job in getting this difficult shot, the large image was a pleasure to view.

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

Comment posted by Mark Schiebelbein on December 10, 2012 at 9:13 PM

Nice environmental behaviour shot. Great feather detail particularly on the lower part of the bird and if you look closely you can just make out two of his talons gripping the perch.

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

Comment posted by David Hemmings on December 11, 2012 at 9:03 AM

May, you really made the most of this opportunity, great images!

Registered on May 26, 2006, 178 Posts, 1680 Comments

Comment posted by Derrick Lipinski on December 12, 2012 at 12:51 AM

A very cool behaviour shot, May! Congrats on the new D800!

Registered on October 5, 2007, 58 Posts, 2039 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 17, 2012 at 2:18 PM

Beautiful, May. Excellent detail and I love the grooming pose.

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