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Yellowstone LEO
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Yellowstone LEO

by Max Waugh

Gallery: AvianPosted November 7, 2014192 views8 comments
Long-eared owls are a rarity in Yellowstone. When I came across a small group of photographers pointing lenses into the sage, I naturally assumed they were photographing a badger or other small furry critter. Instead, when I peeked through my binoculars I was shocked to find this little fellow staring back at me. It certainly was not the place nor the type of environment in which I'd expect to find a long-eared owl, but I was more than happy to snap a couple photos while it was basking in the sun.

Canon 1DX
Canon 500mm f/4 IS + 1.4x
ISO 200
1/800th
f/8

Max

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by Keith Bauer on November 7, 2014 at 5:13 PM
Very cool to find this guy. Certainly a different environment for a LEO
Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments
Comment posted by Ralph Kerr on November 7, 2014 at 8:26 PM
Nice LEO, Max. Looks like it was a bright light day, and thus the small pupil in the eye. Unique photo.
Registered on January 30, 2007, 369 Posts, 852 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on November 7, 2014 at 8:30 PM
Hi Max,

The eye is nicely placed and I like the contrasty setting for this photo. The green sage leaves help frame the owl too :toast: .....................Jim
Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments
Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on November 8, 2014 at 1:34 AM
A Long-eared Owl in the open is rre enough, but in sagebrush? Unique in my experience. A very good capture and an interesting shot. Well done.
Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Watkins on November 8, 2014 at 2:33 AM
Max,
Well spotted, just a tad more head turn would have been perfect, The light was definitely not with you for this, but you have to make the most of the "moment". :toast: :toast:
Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments
Comment posted by Max Waugh on November 8, 2014 at 11:15 AM
Ken, I have shots in which it was looking at me, but the shadow of that twig (just left of the eye) ran right over the eye when it was facing forward. This was the "clearest" view. Harsh light, certainly, as it was late morning, but it's possible I may never see this species again there, so it remains a special moment.

Max
Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments
Comment posted by Todd Bauer on November 8, 2014 at 11:01 PM
I like this because the eye on the thumbnail drew me in, and then I had to look twice to see it. Thanks.
Registered on May 28, 2014, 50 Posts, 176 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Minish on November 14, 2014 at 11:03 PM
This owl is quite well camouflaged except for that brilliant yellow eye. It's a nice capture and those are large ears indeed!
Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments