Got one at last !

Barn Owl

Barn owls are a rarity around here so it was nice when one turned up in a rough patch recently. I’ve got loads of stuff from the old days with flash etc but never had a daylight percher.
I hauled a gate post to the site and put it where I thought would be a good spot, erected my pop up hide , and got in to set the gear up. Looked out and the owl was sat there. Got several shots . Light fading but nice with a bit of detail in the background to give an indication of the habitat at the site.
Took the hide down picked up my post and went home.
As Mark Knopfler says “ Sometimes it all comes together “
D200
Sigma 50-500mm
800 ISO
50th second at f7
Spot meter/EV Down 1 stop.
Neat image
No colour adjustment (as was )
Cheers
JohnR

Hey john.
Lovely Barn Owl,faultless really like this.

Cheers Mitch.

Thanks Kieth
According to the eye contact he certainly knew I was there !
Cheers
JR

that's remarkable John, I can't imagine taking a Barn Owl shot as easily as that, I've still never even seen one! This one's a real beauty.

Matt

Thanks Matt
I was going to call it "fluke " but thought better of it !
It did surprise me somewhat !
Cheers
John

Hi John,

Don't think you know how fortunate you have been!! To get the Owl to sit on the post on the frist attempt is something else! But to get a great image like this is pure talent. He does look a bit confused, lets hope he sticks around, may be worth sticking up a box or two if the habitat is good, He may use it as a roost and He may attract a mate.

Nice work

Regards

Rob

Thanks Rob
Its not talent - its just being in the right place etc. For example - try doing landscape stuff in Scunthorpe !!
Cheers
I must admit I was surprised when a friend did an A3 off this and it was decent.
JR

Now, that must have been exciting, I would have been jumping for joy.
Well done.
Super shot too.

Well done John, great shot. Like you say, just enough background detail to show the habitat without it being too distracting.
It's always a nerve jangling moment when a barn owl stares down your lens - will he accept you, will he fly off...Looks like you had a tolerant chap - and not ringed either which is always a bonus.

Simon

Congratulations John. When you have talent you make your own luck, so it is said.
Excellent.

Good Shot John as I've said before I have not got into birds as yet I need one of those 50-500 Sigma lenses you've got, I'll get one on a future occasion, bit like my acquiring my Pentax K10D just over a year ago, I have 70-300 but its just not quite long enough.

Charles R Kerr

Blimey John, you don't mess about do you? very nicely done, a super shot.
Eric

Hi John,

Marvellous shot. Never seen one in the wild, only as captive animals.

Lucky so and so you, nice one...

Great shot !

no probs whatsoever !



Drew

Hi John,

WOW! Awesome! What more can I say!

Wonderfull shot, John. What a remarkable and exciting occasion that must have been. Well done

Brilliant John - you put the work and in and you reap the rewards - and this is terrific!

Thanks all for your interest.
JR

You lucky old b****r


Great shot John


Ian

Thats a very nice shot John; some people make this game look so easy at times and we all know it certainly isn't, excellent work sir.


Andy...

I can see everyone knocking on your door wanting to borrow that post LOL. Very nice shot indeed John, I have yet to get one!



Fran

Blimey! Great shot! And great to hear the story behind it! He'll be expecting his perch to be there still!

Beautiful detail on the bird, and the background gives it a really wild feel, and as you say, gives an indication of habitat.

Lovely shot, and very well planned and captured!!

Very nice John, but I feel it's not as much luck as some are making out!
You found out about the bird, lugged the hide and a post to the site, went to the effort of errecting both, and you were fortunate that you didn't have to wait too long. It's hard work making your own luck, but a great effort, well done.

Ian

Well I'd be very happy with this John. Super shot all round

Well done John, a very lovely image.

Thanks everyone.
In fact that post has turned up in my pics many times over the past few years.!

Hi John

A first class shot no if's or but's finding them is no mean feat, let alone produce a shot like this. Master Class.

Barry

Kansas / Eastbourne

Nice one John, Good to hear your fit enough to carry hides posts and camera stuff about all day at your age well worth the effort though, corker mate!!!

Cheers
Brian

Thanks
Hi Brian - Still around then !!
Cheers
John

I've got several John but none as good as this. Splendid.