Leaving the Nest

Great moment, Max.
Nice shot.

Would love to see a larger version of this. I think the action and line of flight makes up for whatever compositional shortcomings you perceive.

Impressive. Were you the target of this flight? I'm assuming you didn't stress the nesting birds.

Jim, it is my belief that we did not stress the owls. We were stationed a fair distance away on the far side of the meadow. This was the natural launch point for the male. It immediately banked behind the tall pine seen on the right edge of this image (flying through the two trees at us was not a natural flight path given the obstruction) and flew away. At no time did either owl show signs of stress due to our presence. He came in, dropped off the vole, turned and flew.

During my brief visits to the nest, I spent most of my time sitting and watching as the female sat mostly out of view on the nest. Not exactly exciting stuff, and she paid us little heed (perking up only when smaller passing birds were in the area).

A small group of photographers has been visiting the site for over a month at this point without trying to publicize the exact location (in order to avoid huge crowds from forming), and from what I have seen they have all kept a respectful distance. The eggs hatched within the last week, so as of now the birds on well on their way to raising a successful family.

Max

Excellent, Max. Nice timing and good detail in the face.

Max,
Not only have you got the flying owl very well, the interest is further enhanced by mum on the nest, great moment, captured in what looks to me to difficult circumstances

What a great capture Max - four big eyes just staring back at us. Love the action, love the setting - very nice.

Amazing picture. Perfect timing and just the right amount of motion blur in the wings.