Burrowing Owl

<b>Burrowing Owl</b> <i>(Athene cunicularia)</i>

Place: Gilbert, AZ, USA
When: 7 AM, September 4, 2005
Equipment: Nikon D70, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (= 600/5.6), tripod
ISO 200, aperture priority matrix metered, 1/40 @ F/8
Slight crop on top only for balance

Until some more species pass through Phoenix, or I get fired, these relocated birds in a park about 20 miles away are about all I can manage. This is an adult, that for some reason was never banded. Here it is staying in the shade of a small tree near the artifical burrow, with the light coming from the back left. I didn’t bother with fill although it might have made a modest improvement for some viewers. I’ve darkened the brick wall to make it less distracting, as well as toned down brickwork in front of the owl’s feet.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.