Blending in - Little owl

Gallery: AvianPosted January 29, 2015209 views10 comments

This is the male from last year concealing himself away in the hollow of an old willow tree hit by lightening. Early morning, low light, shaded area. Both the tree coloration and his plumage means he just blends in so well into his environment, almost bordering on monochromatic!

Thanks for the previous comments & views.

Steve

Subject: Little owl (Athene noctua), concealed in the hollow of an old Willow tree
Location: UK
Camera: Canon 1DX
Lens: 500f/4 plus 2x Gitzo tripod/Uniqball head, blind
Exposure: 1/250s at f/8 ISO2000

With the 2x only single focus point active.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on January 29, 2015 at 3:53 PM

Ultimate Camo, you did well to see it Steve. He blends in soooo good, I could see myself walking right past. Great composition and sharp details, Well done!

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on January 29, 2015 at 9:55 PM

Beautiful---Large view is a must see

.......................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on January 29, 2015 at 10:11 PM

Steve, this image really shows off the camouflage and I like the monochrome look to this one. It really suits this shot and helps to tell the story. Nice work!

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on January 30, 2015 at 7:19 AM

This is a beauty Steve

Those slightly yellow eyes put this over the top for me. I like the texture of the bark surrounding the owl too.

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

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on January 30, 2015 at 8:52 AM

I like how the tree trunk fills the frame and surrounds this little guy. I also like the fact that you can see one foot. Well done.

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

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on January 30, 2015 at 9:06 AM

Well seen Steve-tough little guy to notice for sure. Techs look super.

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

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on January 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM

Thanks guys, very much appreciated.

I must admit Avian is not my bag, happier with Wildlife, but if there is an opportunity I'll take it.

Nice to see you back Chuck, may try and catch up when I'm on the West coast next/following month.

Cheers
Steve

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on January 30, 2015 at 12:53 PM

Nicely seen and captured ! Cheers, Hans

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

Comment posted by keith mitchell on January 31, 2015 at 9:31 AM

Nearly missed this one Steve, agree with the others re the bark and the bird blending in, relaxed looking Owl says good field craft to me,great stuff.

Keith

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on February 1, 2015 at 2:16 AM

Really like the monochrome look here Stephen. Nice range of textures and patterns too

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