I took a trip to Ocean Shores last weekend to check out the snowy owls. First afternoon/eve was a bust. The owls were there, but so were the sideways rain and tripod rocking winds. The next morning, I went out at 8 a.m. before the winds kicked up, and I got a few good ones. I'd like to go back when the skies are blue. Man are these white things hard to photograph, especially with gray skies behind them. Anyway, here is my favorite.
Canon 100-400mm at 360-400mm
Aperture Priority f/5.6 and 1/200 to 1/400s at ISO 160 (cuz Wade's right about the noise)
Posted by Greg Vaughn on February 16, 2012 at 12:07 AM
Pretty darn nice photo, Marylynne! Especially considering that no less the Art Wolfe got skunked looking for Snowys at Ocean Shores over the weekend (according to his Facebook post). Maybe he should hire you for a guide. : )
Thanks, Greg and Catherine. I saw 5 individual birds. I'm guessing there were a few more based on where other photogs and birders were standing around. I talked to someone who said she counted 7 (she was standing on a little rise with a spotting scope about 200 feet behind where I stood to take this picture. I didn't see this fellow until I was about 75 feet from him. I was fixated on another one up high on a huge piece of driftwood. As I walked closer to him, I saw movement to my left, and this one was staring at me. I have another of the one I saw staring it this one, not seeing me either.
The area is not at all self explanatory to explore. No real signs at the parking area, a fairly long, wide spit. They are at the end of the spit in the grassy areas with driftwood, not in the trees or brushy area.
Posted by Bruce King on February 16, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Nice shot Marylynne. Like you said a little more contrast at bird/sky but super image nonetheless.
I did get one with better background, but it's further out and not quite as crisp in the details. I managed to get low enough that the foothills across the bay were behind the owl. In retrospect, I think this one is better and should have been my pick to post.
Posted by Craig Strand on February 16, 2012 at 9:50 PM
Congratulations on two very fine images Marylynne. While they are both beautiful and well composed I think I like the second image a bit better with the darker contrasting BG. I'm so glad your trip proved worthwhile with these images.
Discussion
10 repliesCanon 100-400mm at 360-400mm
Aperture Priority f/5.6 and 1/200 to 1/400s at ISO 160 (cuz Wade's right about the noise)
The area is not at all self explanatory to explore. No real signs at the parking area, a fairly long, wide spit. They are at the end of the spit in the grassy areas with driftwood, not in the trees or brushy area.