Here's another of our favourite short-eared owl from our trip to the Coast at the end of February. This frame was taken after the sun had fully set, and after the owl had ejected a pellet and was starting to search earnestly for movement (prey). I love its open facial disc and huge, wide eyes. Yes, the eyes really were different colours based on open sunset light coming from the owl's right and the darker, duskier light hitting the left side of its face.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this one...please view the larger version by clicking on the image above.
Nikon D600
Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4D IF-ED
ISO 1600
1/80sec @ f/5
-0.3 EV
Tripod mounted, Live View for AF and cable release
Cropped to app. 85% of full frame original
Comments
15 commentsI like this one a lot John-the detail, pose, and background offer a very strong image. And an interesting fact describing the differently colored eyes. Very nicely captured and presented.
What a great, alert, pose. The owl's eyes are really great in this. the soft pleasing background is a huge addition to the quality of this image for me. Great choice on the composition. Very nice.
John: excellent pose and background.with the oof background colors complimenting the bird. The eyes are riveting, especially so when viewed large. Richard
I really like this image, John. The way the background color matches the birds colors, the pose and the exquisite detail in the bird and the treetrunk. My compliments on this one.
Hi John
Great shot, I love the eyes, they just pop-out.
Peter
This one's really nice as well John ! The perch is awesome. The low light makes for wide open pupils. No nits, just enjoying your shots
.. Cheers, Hans
This is a beauty John! Love those eyes! Wonderful details, and a very pleasing composition.
Great looking Northwest perch too.
Sweet One!
Beautiful, John. Superb image quality, especially for after sunset.
Stunning John, but then I'm a sucker for Owls. Cracking detail based on the techs, skillfully done.
Gorgeous colour palette, nice posture an I like the lichen perch, compliments things well.
TFS
Steve
Even better than the last one. The wider eyes and horizontal comp against that nice background are great.
Max
Beautiful image of this lovely owl. The owl picked the perfect perch.
May
Thanks so much for the kind words, everyone! This owl certainly helped make our trip to the Coast a success, and I believe I will always remember the excitement Jenaya, Josiah and I had photographing it, along with the joy of finally having a cooperative short-eared that actually had great taste in perches for us!
Thanks again!
Congrats, John, on having this image be one of the weekly picks!!
John: Great pose and a superb capture of a magnificent subject. Congrats on a well deserved WP. >=))>
Congrats on your EP!. Well deserved great image