NPN has moved to naturephotographers.networkYou’re viewing the read-only archive of the original site (2000–2018). The community is active today, with new critiques and discussions every day.
Canon EOS 1D MKII, 600mm non IS, 1.4x conv, G1548, G1321, Wimberley head, f8, 1/160, ISO 320, RAW, RSE, CS2, slight crop for composition.
Hi All,
Another of the Male Barn Owl from over the meadows. Tonight I have seen him take in 7 Short Tailed Voles in an hour's watching, also for the first time I saw the Female come out of the box and have a fly around for about 10 mins. Last night I had a special moment when the male flew straight me and passed my face so close that I actually felt his wing brush my hair.
Do you look like a vole, or was he just checking out the strange shape that he can't quite work out if it's human or a funny bit of hedge??? Having been given the once-over by a SEO, I know what you mean, to have a wild owl come in very close of it's volition is a fantastic experience.
I like the shot - the movement on the wingtips is a nice bonus for you. Is there a touch of movement in the head too though?
Being frustrated by Barn owls myself at the moment, little buggers don't come out until after 9 and the light has just been to poor but it is magical when they fly within a few feet.
Went over to check my local Barn Owl's last night after spending almost a month and a half photographing Kingfishers, I needed a change!.
Anyway much to my delight the male bird was out hunting and taking voles back to the nest,I didn't take any pictures as I wanted to work out hunting routes first but I could watch these birds all day long
Nick: When I watch, I stand at a big gate post as he uses this gap as his route to and from the nest/hunting ground, but as I was only watching through the bino's that night I only had camo trousers and a Barbour on, so I was hardly concealed!!
I'm off to Birmingham/Coventry for work again Wednesday so not sure when I'll post again
Should be even better soon Rob. By all accounts Barn owls are having a better breading season than they did last year.
Youve done well to capture the action. I have struggled of late in always.
Nice image.
Major.
Posted by Paula Graham on June 12, 2007 at 4:55 PM
Discussion
13 repliesHi All,
Another of the Male Barn Owl from over the meadows. Tonight I have seen him take in 7 Short Tailed Voles in an hour's watching, also for the first time I saw the Female come out of the box and have a fly around for about 10 mins. Last night I had a special moment when the male flew straight me and passed my face so close that I actually felt his wing brush my hair.
All comments welcome
Regards
Rob
I like the shot - the movement on the wingtips is a nice bonus for you. Is there a touch of movement in the head too though?
Rob
John
Aberdeen
Super image, I like the movement in the wings and the BG colour seta him off just right.
Best wishes
Phil
Being frustrated by Barn owls myself at the moment, little buggers don't come out until after 9 and the light has just been to poor but it is magical when they fly within a few feet.
Gavin
Anyway much to my delight the male bird was out hunting and taking voles back to the nest,I didn't take any pictures as I wanted to work out hunting routes first but I could watch these birds all day long
Nice capture, look forward to seeing more.
Tony
Thanks for the comments so far.
Nick: When I watch, I stand at a big gate post as he uses this gap as his route to and from the nest/hunting ground, but as I was only watching through the bino's that night I only had camo trousers and a Barbour on, so I was hardly concealed!!
I'm off to Birmingham/Coventry for work again Wednesday so not sure when I'll post again
Regards
Rob
Youve done well to capture the action. I have struggled of late in always.
Nice image.
Major.