SEO

Gallery: AvianPosted February 16, 2012194 views10 comments

This was more luck than anything else.

I had been told there had been some sightings of three SEO about ten minutes drive from the house on some farmland, sadly knowing the location there was no way I was going to be able to access the land as the owner is no too friendly to say the least. So after two days of watching them and their behaviour I managed to nail this one, allowing me about 2 minutes of his time before flying off. The weather has been very cold and snowy, so no chance of getting any blue sky, but a little winter sun at times.

Looking forward to doing more with this bird at the end of next week, 'across the pond' with some friends.

Steve
Subject: Short eared owl on branch, whiteout BKG (Asio flammeus)
Location: UK
Camera: Canon MKIV
Lens: 500f/4, plus 2x - HH
Exposure: 1/500s at f/8 ISO400 +1.33 stop compensation
Crop: Slight crop (original capture vertical)

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on February 16, 2012 at 6:31 PM

Looks good for the conditions and limited opportunity. The eyes certainly grab the viewer's attention.

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

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on February 16, 2012 at 6:54 PM

I really appreciate the clarity around the head in the larger version.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on February 16, 2012 at 9:31 PM

Luck or not, this is really nice! Great light on the owl and good eye contact. I like the moss-covered branches in this too.

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on February 16, 2012 at 9:47 PM

Looks good under ANY circumstance. The detail in the eyes and disc are amazing. I wish I could see this even larger than here. Like I could touch it. Well done.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on February 17, 2012 at 1:41 AM

Great eye contact

And nice pose in sweet light to go with those eyes. Awesome Portrait Stephen!!!

Ken Archer

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

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on February 17, 2012 at 1:56 AM

Thanks everyone, very much appreciate the feedback.

I rarely photograph Avian, partly due to the opportunities, plus the IQ/content posted here still remains incredibly high and to a level I originally knew when I fist joined in 07.

Sadly my stats are way out of date.

Thanks again.

Steve

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

Comment posted by Cristina Strudthof on February 17, 2012 at 12:35 PM

The detail in the face is amazing. I have a similar issue photographing some eagles that nest in a large tree in a nearby pasture. There is no possible way for me to photograph any closer than the road because the owner is also none too friendly.

Registered on January 14, 2011, 53 Posts, 363 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 17, 2012 at 5:13 PM

This came out very well considering the conditions you mentioned. The larger image has some wonderful feather detail and those eyes draw you right into the image. The green lichen branches are not distracting and add to the image for me. Nice job in getting this, the larger image looks great, way to go.

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

Comment posted by May Haga on February 21, 2012 at 9:47 AM

Excellent image Stephen.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on February 21, 2012 at 10:01 AM

Thanks again to all those who comments.

Steve

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