Pearl Spotted Owlet

Gallery: AvianPosted July 11, 201554 views9 comments

Probably the best image I have ever got of this bird, as in my experience they are usually burried in branches. Found by a miracle by our guide in a mostly dense and dark underfrowth of bushes, Shaba National Reserve, Kenya.
EOS 1DX

200-400 mm F4 at 540 mm

F 6.3

ISO 400

1/200

EV +0.33

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on July 11, 2015 at 2:10 PM

Hi Ken:

Very cool little bird. I like the setting even though the background is a bit busy, it tells a story of the habitat.

I did think the bird was a bit dark. Here's a version with a bit of processing. See what you think.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Neil Rossmiller on July 11, 2015 at 5:19 PM

The difficulties of getting open shots of some Owl species can be down right frustrating, Ken. Time spent is usually rewarded in the long run. Good guide eyes are always a plus as well.

I like what Keith has done with the image better than your original post. It is a subtle change, but quite effective. How do you process your images?

Keith: If you could explain what you have done with the image, I think some of the newer members here would benefit a great deal from your expertise.

Thanks to both of you for the post.

Registered on October 30, 2009, 156 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on July 11, 2015 at 11:29 PM

Nice to get it in the open, Ken. I kinda like the criss-cross pattern created by the branches in the background.

For some reason, I have better luck with these guys than any other African species. I'd gladly trade a couple for a white-faced scops or Pel's fishing owl. enlightened

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 12, 2015 at 3:03 AM

Very nice, Ken. Sweet image of this owl in its preferred habitat, yet still in the clear. You and your guide should both be congratulated. Excelllent job on the exposure in a difficult situation.

devil

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on July 12, 2015 at 3:21 AM

Congrats on your find Ken. Considering the circumstances you shot this under, I don't think it could have been done any better. With that being said, I agree the exposure and/or shadows can be brought up more in PP. I like the repost from Keith. Nice job with this Ken!

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

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on July 12, 2015 at 8:23 AM

Thanks everybody. I think the conversion to JPEG is a little too dark, so here is another go

Max,

I have never even seen a Scops Fishing Owl cheeky , but I do have a White Faced sad

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on July 12, 2015 at 1:05 PM

The larger image is a must-see. Great shot of this owl in it's habitat ! Cheers, Hans