Barfing Owl

[Michael Pancier]

Went to Brian Piccolo Park in Broward County, Florida yesterday. At least 9-10 active Burrowing Owl nests (one nest had five owls).

Anyway, this guy who was protecting the nest by keeping the photographer away from the nest (me) gave me some great poses and apparently barfed out a pellet for me and the camera.

40d + 500 4.0L USM IS + 1.4x TC
580ex II
f/6.3
1/800
shot on 3530LSV + Wimberley
ISO 400 (in auto ISO mode)
minor crop.

what the pellet was, I dunno but it looks gross :eek:

[Cindy Cone]

What a cool capture, Michael! Love the straight on look and the pellet mid-beak.

[Harold Davis]

michael, that's just gross!!! but i like it!! cool action there.

[Steve Maxson]

A very cool behavior image, Michael. What an odd looking pellet - I'm used to seeing owl pellets made up largely of fur. Does anyone know what this one could be? - insect parts, perhaps??

[Michael Wolf]

Captivating image to say the least........ those eyes..... WOW !

[Chris Dodds]

Pretty cool behavior & vocabulary.