Posted by Michael Lotito on November 18, 2010 at 9:01 PM
I am fortunate enough to have a pair of Great Horned Owls going through courtship in my backyard. This morning I awoke to the pair 25 feet from my front door and tonight they were in my backyard. I shoot with a Canon 1d mark4 and either can choose a 500 mm f4 or 300mm f2.8 lens. I also have a canon 580 ex II flash fitted with a better beamer. I have the following questions:
-What flash settings should I employ.
-Are their an ticks to obtaining focus in low light.
-Will the use of flash disrupt their mating process? This is the 100% last thing I want to do.
-They seem quite approachable but how close is too close.
-Any other tips would be helpful.
Last year a pair nested successfully in my neighbors yard and I would love to see a repeat of this. If photographing them would have any potential negative effect I would rather simply observe from a distance and let nature play out without my intrusion. Any advice and insight would be greatly appreciated.
Mike Lotito
Posted by Brian Gatlin on November 18, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Mike, different people have very different feelings about using flash with owls. Not being an owl optometrist, I can't personally say with any precision what effect it will have. But I do know that for people it takes our eyes a long time to adjust to the darkness when we are going to dark from light. And as dependent as owls are on their night vision, I guess it could have a real impact. So, I say go with the tripod, timer, mirror lockup/live view etc, lock that thing down and try a slooow shutter speed first before getting into flash. Just my suggestion though.
Posted by Richard Ditch on November 18, 2010 at 9:48 PM
I have no proof and can't cite any authority, but my belief is that flash disturbs owls and may affect their ability to hunt, at least for a short period after the flash is used. And since I don't like the look of flashed owl at night photos anyway I personally don't use flash on owls at night.
I do, however, use flash at times with owls in daylight when they aren't hunting and when their pupils aren't already wide open in the dark.
Since you think the owls may nest in your yard or close to it why not just wait until you can find them in the daylight? I've had good luck with Great Horned Owls in the daylight and know they will stay put on a branch if you don't get too close or move too fast.
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on November 19, 2010 at 6:36 AM
I say flash away at these owls while you have the chance. I mean, what is the worst that can happen? The owl's leave your property and lose one year of reproductive effort because they were disturbed by your photographic activities involving flashing them at night. Or maybe they are blinded for a few minutes and one of the owl flies and ends up flying into a window and killing itself. These are only two owls out of many thousands in the population. Small price to pay for potentially some awesome owl images. Of course, I am being completely sarcastic in my aforementioned remarks. Not much is known about the effects of flash on night hunting raptors. Given that, I would be conservative and not use flash on these birds. You are fortunate enough to have these birds nesting in your yard, work with them during the day and with long lenses as has been suggested. Like most birds, if they are successful in rearing young in a certain location site philopatry to that location will be high, and they will most likely return year after year giving you many ops with these birds. Moreover, young raised in that area may have high natal philopatry and thus the number of owls in your area will increase. There is much to be gained by fostering "your" owls choice of nesting location. If you scare them off, they may never return to that area, but try a new location. Be conservative, error on the side of the bird's. Just my phil. based on 27 years of being a professional bird biologist.
Posted by Mia McPherson on November 19, 2010 at 7:48 AM
Michael,
I don't use flash with owls, I also do not photograph them at night. In my experiences with Great Horned Owls that have young the chicks are quite often awake and moving about during the day. I wouldn't risk a bird's life or reproductive cycle for an image. Usually if the great horned owls find a place to be suitable to nest they will be in that area year after year. If they are overly disturbed they may not come back. I wouldn't approach too close, that depends on geography, cover and by watching the birds for any sign of distress.
Posted by Luke Ormand on November 19, 2010 at 9:10 AM
Mike,
Wait for the nest to be built and construct a blind then wait for daylight. If you are going to use some fill flash at the very least do so in the morning (not night) as the sun will be coming up anyway and go for a bounce flash instead of a direct shot.
My experience with GHO's and flash was a total disaster. I've never tried it at night, nor would I, but trying to use fill flash resulted in the worst red eye I've ever seen.
It sounds like they have already decided they like your neighborhood so I would spend as much time with them at a comfortable distance (for them) as possible. Over time they will tolerate your presence and be delightful to have close. They will be active during daylight hours feeding and raising a brood so there is no need for the flash.
It will be a great experience if you let them be comfortable. Slow and steady will result in many hours of enjoyment and, perhaps an image or two.
My neighbors adult are starting there third year at their place and, I hope, the second brood.
Enjoy!
Neil
Posted by Michael Lotito on November 19, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Great advice from everyone! This morning i was standing observing from about 25 feet away and they didn't flinch and decided to preen each other. Still too dark to auto focus but fun to watch. I agree with idea of not using any flash especially at night. Indirect in the AM is a potential option???? One thought I have is overcast dark winter day could give rise to more daytime activity. I would rather have them as regulars than chase them off for the sake of a few shots. I believe their comfort level with me observing them is 1/2 the battle won. This winter shall be fun. I hope to be sending out birth notices in January. Maybe haned out some white owl cigars! LOL
Mike
One of last years owlets after falling from the nest. Happy to say both were flying a week later.
Posted by Michael Lotito on November 19, 2010 at 11:59 AM
Discussion
8 replies-What flash settings should I employ.
-Are their an ticks to obtaining focus in low light.
-Will the use of flash disrupt their mating process? This is the 100% last thing I want to do.
-They seem quite approachable but how close is too close.
-Any other tips would be helpful.
Last year a pair nested successfully in my neighbors yard and I would love to see a repeat of this. If photographing them would have any potential negative effect I would rather simply observe from a distance and let nature play out without my intrusion. Any advice and insight would be greatly appreciated.
Mike Lotito
I do, however, use flash at times with owls in daylight when they aren't hunting and when their pupils aren't already wide open in the dark.
Since you think the owls may nest in your yard or close to it why not just wait until you can find them in the daylight? I've had good luck with Great Horned Owls in the daylight and know they will stay put on a branch if you don't get too close or move too fast.
I don't use flash with owls, I also do not photograph them at night. In my experiences with Great Horned Owls that have young the chicks are quite often awake and moving about during the day. I wouldn't risk a bird's life or reproductive cycle for an image. Usually if the great horned owls find a place to be suitable to nest they will be in that area year after year. If they are overly disturbed they may not come back. I wouldn't approach too close, that depends on geography, cover and by watching the birds for any sign of distress.
Wait for the nest to be built and construct a blind then wait for daylight. If you are going to use some fill flash at the very least do so in the morning (not night) as the sun will be coming up anyway and go for a bounce flash instead of a direct shot.
My experience with GHO's and flash was a total disaster. I've never tried it at night, nor would I, but trying to use fill flash resulted in the worst red eye I've ever seen.
It sounds like they have already decided they like your neighborhood so I would spend as much time with them at a comfortable distance (for them) as possible. Over time they will tolerate your presence and be delightful to have close. They will be active during daylight hours feeding and raising a brood so there is no need for the flash.
It will be a great experience if you let them be comfortable. Slow and steady will result in many hours of enjoyment and, perhaps an image or two.
My neighbors adult are starting there third year at their place and, I hope, the second brood.
Enjoy!
Neil
Mike
One of last years owlets after falling from the nest. Happy to say both were flying a week later.