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Local Resident Owl
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Local Resident Owl

by scott lanz

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted June 5, 2016159 views6 comments
Barred Owl, taken in Mill Creek Park, Youngstown, on the morning of 5/22/16.  I may be in contention for "closest" local image as this was taken only about 200 feet (as the owl flies) from my house. This is second year in a row (that I know of) that mating Barred Owls raised young in this Sycamore tree hole. Strangely, this is actually in a playground and picnic area that gets lots of use. D600, 500 f4 (manual focus) w/1.4x tc, cropped to vertical. Suggestions, questions, and other comments welcome. crying

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Gary Minish on June 6, 2016 at 12:31 AM
I can see why the owl picks that sycamore tree for a nest.  It's a perfect match for his camouflage colors!  I notice it doesn't appear to be very camera shy either.  Nice capture, Scott!
Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on June 6, 2016 at 10:54 AM
Wow, how neat to watch the owl from your house, Scott.  This is a great look at the owl and the Sycamore.  I agree with Gary about the color match between the owl and tree, they were made for each other.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Lowe on June 6, 2016 at 11:51 AM
Excellent job on this, Scott. The focus is right where it needs to be and the catch light in the eyes brings the owl to life. I also like the fact that he/she is looking at the viewer. My only suggestion would be to tone down that white orb behind the owl. This is great that it is so close as you have more opportunities to capture more images of this beautiful bird.

Ed
Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 6, 2016 at 5:47 PM
Excellent work, Scott.  Beautiful pose and perfect dof for the situation. 

devil
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by Pete Bengeyfield on June 7, 2016 at 1:54 PM
Lucky you for having this in your yard. This is an excellent image.
Registered on December 2, 2003, 1247 Posts, 3439 Comments
Comment posted by David Schoen on June 7, 2016 at 2:52 PM
 This is a very nice look at this Barred Owl.  I like the fact that he's looking you in the eye. Great that he is so close to your home.  You have nice detail here on the tree, the owl and a nice smooth background. The colors are quite pleasing.
Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments