Posted by Kevin Lewis on February 21, 2007 at 4:12 PM
I was watching and taking photographs of several Short-eared Owls hunting. One of the owls was catching voles and mice and tucking them away in small holes and under tufts of grass, presumably to eat later. I wasn't the only one watching the owls do this because as soon as the owl started to hunt again a magpie flew in and stole the food, in this case a mouse (I think). Fascinating to watch :)
Canon 1D MkII N
Canon 600mm f4 L IS USM plus EFIIx1.4TC
1/1000@f8 iso 400 raw
Shot from the car window, beanbag support
Tight on the top wing but at least I didn't clip it lol
Posted by Alan Bryant on February 21, 2007 at 4:21 PM
That is a fantastic image, of something rarely seen.
I love the look of his RH wing
Thanks for sharing something very interesting
Posted by Tim Munsey on February 21, 2007 at 4:23 PM
Now that's just showing off, what an astounding shot of sneaky behaviour. No wonder there's more magpies than short eared owls.
Tim
Posted by Richard Tynan on February 21, 2007 at 4:24 PM
This is quite some capture, an excellent behavioural image I think.
Shows the colour and detail in the wing off so well.
It has quite an impact with the muted BG and rather 'exotic' looking magpie.
Very good shot . From the length of the tail, it's a Vole .
Posted by Rob Howard on February 21, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Hi Kevin,
You have certainly captured some extraordinary behaviour here.Well done for keeping an eye on the Magpie and also getting a fantastic image. I would get this entered into as many bird behaviour catergory comps I could.
Nice work
Regards
Rob
Posted by Kevin Lewis on February 22, 2007 at 2:35 AM
Nick: thanks for the ID :)
Posted by Mark Sisson on February 22, 2007 at 4:30 AM
Cracking spot and well captured - a very different behavioural shot with a good story to accompany it and one that makes the hours of observation well worthwhile.
Mark
Posted by Dave Courtenay on February 22, 2007 at 4:41 AM
One of the best Magpie shots i have ever seen-cracker
Posted by Phil Shaw on February 22, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Great capture; I'm really pleased you managed to keep the wing in the frame; it would have been a real shame if you had clipped it.
Posted by Sean Bolton on February 22, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Hi Kev
Excellent shot, quite unique. I like the detail, colour and wingspread of the Magpie, it really shows this underrated bird off well.
You should enter this in the WPOY competition, they love this type of unique behavioural image. Great camera technique too.
cheers
Sean
Posted by Helge Sorensen on February 22, 2007 at 1:26 PM
Incredible behaviour shot, my kind of shooting
Posted by Philip Kirkham on February 22, 2007 at 1:42 PM
It's all been said, a real show stopper. I have the feeling we haven't seen the last of this image.
Best wishes
Phil
Posted by Vincent Jones on February 22, 2007 at 1:45 PM
Awesome shot Kev What you need now is the shot showing the SEO pinching the Vole back off the Magpie lol
Great timing, perfect exposure & right place - right time
Discussion
19 repliesCanon 1D MkII N
Canon 600mm f4 L IS USM plus EFIIx1.4TC
1/1000@f8 iso 400 raw
Shot from the car window, beanbag support
Tight on the top wing but at least I didn't clip it lol
I love the look of his RH wing
Thanks for sharing something very interesting
Tim
Shows the colour and detail in the wing off so well.
It has quite an impact with the muted BG and rather 'exotic' looking magpie.
Very nice indeed.
You have certainly captured some extraordinary behaviour here.Well done for keeping an eye on the Magpie and also getting a fantastic image. I would get this entered into as many bird behaviour catergory comps I could.
Nice work
Regards
Rob
Mark
Excellent shot, quite unique. I like the detail, colour and wingspread of the Magpie, it really shows this underrated bird off well.
You should enter this in the WPOY competition, they love this type of unique behavioural image. Great camera technique too.
cheers
Sean
Best wishes
Phil
Great timing, perfect exposure & right place - right time
Vince
David
Rene de Heer