Long Eared Owl

1D2n 600mm f4 is, 0.5s, f8, iso 200. Mirror lock-up. Deep breath.

Isn’t it odd when as one door closes, another opens? On Saturday, I arrived at a ferry port to travel to the Isle of May to find it was cancelled at the last minute because of gales. Got chatting and heard about a sighting of long eared owls which are unusual in my area. In fact I have never seen one! I was shaking as I took this, at 9.30pm tonight and I am pleasantly surprised with the result. Better still, I can go back! Hope to get closer with less cluttered surrounds – although that will be a challenge. Discovered even a touch of flash ruins the eyes.

That looks nice and sharp for 1/2 second you must be very pleased with that. I like to see it among the branches, at least there are none over its face, so they aren't too intrusive. looking forward to some more.
Eric

You did well here given the conditions, the clutter does not bother me in the least... I understand that flash is not a good idea with owls anyway (Vince will probably be able to give more info on that subject).

Ian

A great shot from a chance encounter. What clutter that's how it is, its their environment. I'm all for true enviro shots and this is one.

Barry

Eastbourne / Kansas

Looks just right to me.
Lovely.
JR

yep, I'd leave it as it is as well - nice shot showing it in its habitat

Hi Ian,

As I said in Avian! Superb capture!

Excellent capture Ian , just screams habitat , a bird i've never seen in the wild so thanks for posting.


Andy...

Great picture. Good colors and sharpness. Well done.

Same thoughts as all the above Ian!!

Thrilling find, and a fine result

Alan

Hi Ian

Ditto the above - fine result!

David

Lovely shot Ian. I seem to like environment type images more and more these days and this is a belter.
Robert