SEO calling

Gallery: AvianPosted May 10, 2017237 views6 comments

Another frame from the encounter I had with these guys. The RH eye (as view) was in heavy shade and so I have left it that way.

Steve
Subject: SEO (Asio flammeus)
Location: Canada
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 500mm f/4 MKII with 1.4x MKIII HH
Exposure: 1/2000s at f/9 ISO1600
Original format: Portrait, very slight crop, almost FF
Processed via: LRCC & PSCC2017

Those who know the area know just how difficult it would be to 'bait' these guys, but sadly I have had to add this in now!
Note: The subject is fully wild and completely unconstrained. Besides the potential impact of my presence, nothing has been done to intentionally alter or affect the ongoing behavior of the subject and, of course, there has been no use of any form of bait or other form of wildlife attractants (including vocalisations) in the capture of this image.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on May 10, 2017 at 6:11 PM

Sweet detail and pose and the open beak is great, Steve. Very well done.

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

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on May 10, 2017 at 11:59 PM

Really nice image - beautiful bird in a great pose. If it were mine, I think I'd try to clone out that OOF branch over the lower breast.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Peter J. Morrissey on May 11, 2017 at 12:36 PM

Hi Stephen
That is a really nice Owl. I like heavier shading over the right eye, nice low angle shot.
Peter

Registered on July 3, 2011, 188 Posts, 969 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on May 11, 2017 at 2:07 PM

Good look at this little guy Steve. I like how the owl is surrounded by the grasses that are basically the same colors as he is. And I find the different size pupils very interesting also. And then there's the calling pose, very nice!

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on May 12, 2017 at 10:56 AM

Great expression! I like the interaction you have pictured here in the head detail is wonderful.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on May 14, 2017 at 6:41 AM

Thanks folks, this was one chilled out SEO, I've never seen an Owl so comfortable and to allow us to get so close and not show any signs of distress or agitation. I've shot lots of Owls over the years, but never like this. Crowding a subject, or even just shooting only feet away is not good practice, giving respect will always yield rewards.

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