Posted by Barry Southon on April 26, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Having spent almost six weeks observing the development of three Great Horned Owl fledglings in all weathers. Whilst visiting the sight at least every other day this evening we witnessed what appeared to be an initial flight from nest to an adjacent branch. The nest appears to be somewhat crowded. The adult female tends to locate herself some short distance away content to keep a watching brief. Delivering the odd meal to three young.
This is my effort to record the adult.
Canon 1D3 Canon 800mm tripod full frame reduced to post size.
RAW to lightroom then PS4 to resize. No other adjustments.
1/320 sec f/10 ISO 500 800mm. remote trigger.
Well shown in its habitat, although to be honest I would have preferred less of such an acute angle, but if memory serves, this is where they invariably are, high up.
You say female, when I referred to my Sibley’s, it only said that there was a size difference between male and female, female being larger. The reason I ask is that I have some shots of the G. H. Owl, admittedly the majority is of a juvenile, but if there is a plumage difference I would be most interested to know.
Don’t know your situation, but would they come down to a road killed rabbit, stacked out. Might be worth a try some distance from the nest, but still within sight of it. Just a thought.
One last thing, is this the pacific variant ??
A much better shot of the adult than I ever got. Well seen and taken. Nice one.
Posted by Kim Connolly on April 27, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Cannot see how, in this habitat, this could be improved upon. Terrific shot. That is some bird!!!
Posted by Barry Southon on April 27, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Ray
This species is a permanent resident of Kansas. Also called Hoot Owl. The females are larger than the male no apparent plumage difference. The females have a higher pitched hoot. 44" wingspan These owls mate in January laying eggs and incubating February. Also GHO are at the top of the food chain they can and do kill mammals. Skunks, dogs and cats.
It's tornado season here temps vary we have had 95 high down to 47 low 60mph winds and hail golf ball size. Whilst these impressive birds dwell in tops of 30-40 foot trees the leaves of which are just starting to show.
Thanks for looking.
Posted by Andy Shepherd on April 27, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Nice shot Barry, the big lense technique is getting much better, keep at it.
Discussion
4 repliesThis is my effort to record the adult.
Canon 1D3 Canon 800mm tripod full frame reduced to post size.
RAW to lightroom then PS4 to resize. No other adjustments.
1/320 sec f/10 ISO 500 800mm. remote trigger.
New heavy duty head due tomorrow.
Critique Advice Comments most welcome.
Thanks for looking.
You say female, when I referred to my Sibley’s, it only said that there was a size difference between male and female, female being larger. The reason I ask is that I have some shots of the G. H. Owl, admittedly the majority is of a juvenile, but if there is a plumage difference I would be most interested to know.
Don’t know your situation, but would they come down to a road killed rabbit, stacked out. Might be worth a try some distance from the nest, but still within sight of it. Just a thought.
One last thing, is this the pacific variant ??
A much better shot of the adult than I ever got. Well seen and taken. Nice one.
This species is a permanent resident of Kansas. Also called Hoot Owl. The females are larger than the male no apparent plumage difference. The females have a higher pitched hoot. 44" wingspan These owls mate in January laying eggs and incubating February. Also GHO are at the top of the food chain they can and do kill mammals. Skunks, dogs and cats.
It's tornado season here temps vary we have had 95 high down to 47 low 60mph winds and hail golf ball size. Whilst these impressive birds dwell in tops of 30-40 foot trees the leaves of which are just starting to show.
Thanks for looking.
Nice shot Barry, the big lense technique is getting much better, keep at it.
Andy...