Great Horned Owl

PrescottPhotog

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for all the branches in the way but this guy was tucked on a big branch only about 6 feet off the ground. I took about 50 shots on the other side but the sun was in the wrong place so I took off for a couple hours and when I came back it let me get to within about 40 feet and never moved except to turn its head. I took a ton of shots but the tree was so thick with branches this is the best I could get. These are almost full crops, just a tiny bit was taken off each side to get rid of some of the glare.

I was amazed at how close he let me get with camera, 500mm and tripod moving through the thick brush. I moved so much trying to get a clear shot I thought for sure he would bolt.. but he just sat there. I went back the next morning but the branch was empty.

I posted #3 to show how huge the claws are. The owl was huge (much bigger than the decoys you see) so you can imagine how big those claws are in comparison.

#1

#2

#3

BigAl

Real habitat shots! Well done on getting the bird in focus through the branches

An owl down here wouldn't be allowed to sleep in such an exposed position - the little birds would bug him all day...

dallas

Great shots Chris. We have three or four in our neighborhood, but I only hear them at night, with an ocassional sighting in the early evening. My only shot of them is an over-exposed speed light image. Ours are huge also, but I've never seen one in the light, so thanks for sharing your excellent images; now I have a better idea of what they really look like up close.

riddim_maker

Wow! These images really gives one a perspective on the size of this bird.
I won't want to be its prey.
And I agree with Al, these images really presents the bird in its natural environment
Well done Chris and thanks for sharing.

Harryb

Good habitat shots. Its amazing how the best subjects find a way to prevent a clean shot at them. :cry

Maestro

I'm still waiting for my first owl. Nice images and those claws are impressive!

raptorcaptor

You really are in raptor heaven there Chris! Nice set!

PrescottPhotog

Hi Everyone..

Thanks for all the great comments guys. This was the first owl I have seen in my area. I even commented to a couple Audubon people that I hadn't seen any in the years I had been photographing around here so this was a very exciting capture for me.

I took in the neighborhood of over 100 shots of this guy and even though the focus wasn't a problem the branches were. It was so thick close to the ground I almost couldn't see him. Then when I did get close the branches were either covering its eyes or beak or it had its head turned 180. I'm glad I got a couple with eyes and beak not obstructed.

I'm having a good time now (after the long summer heat and no birds) but our winter is starting to set in. Jan. and Feb. are the coldest months here with temps that can go down to 15 at night so the lakes are frozen over in the mornings. Unless we get a real cold spell it usually warms up enough during the day to melt some of the lake so the birds (and raptors) show up mid day or afternoon. Then spring will bring all the babies so there will be more to shoot.

I am really enjoying everyone's great posts. There have been some wonderful photos showing up. It's great viewing all the different critters from all over the world !!

Thanks again for the great comments !!!

dbaker1221

awesome set didn't seem to care much about you did it..

PrescottPhotog

dbaker1221 wrote:

awesome set didn't seem to care much about you did it..

Thanks Dave. No he didn't seem to care that I was there, which amazed me. I have a few shots with an eye half open watching me but he never ruffled a feather or seemed to be the slightest bit impressed that I was making him famous.. and I was real close.

When I left I just picked everything up, folded up the legs on my tripod and walked away like I was going for a hike.. it never fazed him.