Little Owl

This one from last summer, an adult bird from a family I have near by. Does anyone know if little owls return year on year to the same nest site? , Do they have the same mate year on year. Also do barn owls use the same boxes each year, again with the same or different mate? The reason I ask is that both the barn and little owl that are local to me were very tolerant and I was hoping for the same birds this year, to much to ask perhaps

This is exceptional, the detail is really fantastic, just beating the exposure and composition. A truly excellent close up.

I think you will find that they do have the same partners each year, everything being even, and will invariably use the same nest sites, this applies to both Little and barn owls. But, and there always is one, this always depends on partner survival, food supply and if they had any disturbance the year before. Number of other suitable breeding sites locally, is also a factor. But Vince is the real authority on owls/hawks.

Great close up.
Is this a fully wild bird ?
If so you did very well indeed ! great stuff.
JR

Indeed it is close... not 100% sure on the exposure here as the left (as you look at it) eye is looking a touch hot... I am thinking perhaps half a stop less...

Great close up, loads of detail. Do you mind mentioning the techs at all? - What kit etc? You must have been very close to get this!

Thanks all for the comments. Yes John it is a wild bird, the nest site is on a private farm road that belongs to a friend. The gate is always shut about 5pm and the birds then drop onto the road looking mainly for black beetles that cross the road (to get to the other side!). I started going each evening, shooting from the car. I tried collecting black beetles during my dog work along the lanes and catapulting them along the lane, eventually the hen bird came down and returned with the food to the nest. This went on for a week or so then I started feeding mealy worms, easier to get and slower to escape. Eventually the chicks, one at a time left the nest and joined in the ground feeding. Over the next two months they became very bold and would hiss at me as I arrived, and fly or more often run towards the car. By this time I was out of the car and shooting from the ground .By September they would come within 4 or 5 feet of me, that why I’m hoping the same birds come back this year, I am hoping to move them off the road onto more natural backgrounds. Sorry for the long post but I hope it helps.

Tech: 20D
600 F4
Iso 400
1 /800-f5

Nicely done, it does seem a little off exposure wise, but wouldn't hold it against you, I certainly wouldn't mind a shot like that !!

Well done !

Drew

Nice shot Bob. i know of two Little Owl nest sites where the birds have come back for the last 3 years so I think you are in with a good chance of a repeat this yr.

Thanks for the info! Very interesting! I've been trying to get some decent shots of my local little owls for ages. I did think of putting a few worms down for them, but didn't really want them to associate me with food as they are on a public footpath.

Perhaps a bit more persistance this year will pay off for me. Can't wait to see more of your photos!

Very nice image. The details are very nice & well done for getting up close. There is one of these on my local patch but he dosent let you within 100 yards of him.

Lee

Bob

It is only a very small step from the shots you are getting, to getting them up onto any perch you want, within reason.

It won’t be long now till they will be defending territory for the breeding season. If you have a pair which you are working and run into a problem, just ask, and I’m sure we can get you going again, so that you can get the shots you are after.

Good luck.

If it does go as you hope you might need a hurrican lamp and two large strong elastic bands, now thats got you going mr thinks.

Thanks for the comments and advice , roll on summer.