Barred Owl Wing Flare for Landing

[Jim Neiger]

I have been trying to capture a wing flare like this for a long time. Normaly the Barred Owls flare their wings for landing at the last second before touchdown. This means a frontal view is almost always blocked by the branch the owl is landing on. I finaly got the in flight pose I wanted without the branch in the way. The sweet late afternoon light was icing on the cake.


Indian River County, Fl - 1DX, 600mm, hand held from boat, 1/1600, F5, ISO 800, manual exposure mode

[Richard Flack]

Lovely image Jim, with a beautiful wing position

[Mike Poole]

Great pose in beautiful light - not a lot more I can add really!

[gail bisson]

It is always a good day when you get an image in the camera that you have had in your head. The light is " to die for".
I like the wing spread as well.
I would like to see a bit more room on the LHS. I also see a dust spot above the owls' left wing that I would clone out.
The feather detail on the wings, body and tail are excellent but the face seems a bit crunchy. I am not sure if it is a bit oversharpened or something else. Will see what others have to say,
Gail

[Arthur Morris]

Sweet indeed. I got lots just like that with the tree right in front of the bird :w3. What time was this image created?

If you would like to join Jim and me on Lake Blue Cypress soon click here (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php/118832-Lake-Blue-Cypress-Osprey-Heaven-Full-Day-In-the-Field-Hand-Holding-Workshops-via-Customized-Pontoon-Boat). Or see Jim's Lake Blue Cypress Gallery here. (http://www.flightschoolphotography.com/Osprey%20Heaven%20Gallery/index.htm)

[Jim Neiger]

Sweet indeed. I got lots just like that with the tree right in front of the bird :w3. What time was this image created?

If you would like to join Jim and me on Lake Blue Cypress soon click here (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php/118832-Lake-Blue-Cypress-Osprey-Heaven-Full-Day-In-the-Field-Hand-Holding-Workshops-via-Customized-Pontoon-Boat). Or see Jim's Lake Blue Cypress Gallery here. (http://www.flightschoolphotography.com/Osprey%20Heaven%20Gallery/index.htm)

EXIF data says 5.59pm, but my camera is an hour behind, so it was created at 6.59pm.

[David Salem]

Nice capture Jim. Glad you got the shot you were trying for. I know how hard it is to get this shot lined up right. Everything looks great and I like the flared wings showing the feathers well.
Nice detail throughout also. Thanks again for hosting me last week. It was a great time!

[Arthur Morris]

EXIF data says 5.59pm, but my camera is an hour behind, so it was created at 6.59pm.

Thanks Jim. You are right, afternoons are better.... BTW, hand holding the 600 II is beyond me...

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Gotta love it when you envision a shot (and patiently wait for the opportunity) and then have it all work out. This is a great showing of the feathers, not something you see very often as you mentioned in your OP.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

That is a cool specie!
Love the light also and I am so glad you were able to finally capture the pose you wanted.

[Satish Ranadive]

Spectacular flight shot with wonderful IQ. Beautiful colours, nice details,environment and composition.
Love the wing position and fanned tail feathers.

Regards,
Satish.

[Bill Dix]

Wonderful light and wing spread. Great details. I also see just a bit of crunchiness on the highlights of the face and elsewhere. Not much. Love it when you get a shot you've been imagining.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Love the wing spread, the gorgeous light and the nice details, Jim. Would've looked even better 1200px wide.