Snowy Owl: After the Kill

[Doug Brown]

I've spent 4 days photographing Snowy Owls in 2012, and this bird was the only one I ever saw either with prey or with evidence of having eaten. The birds still look healthy and it's been 2 months since I last paid them a visit, so they are definitely eating. This is most of full frame.

110062

Canon 1D Mark IV, 600mm + 1.4x, f/5.6, 1/800, ISO 500, manual exposure, tripod

[Randy Stout]

Doug:

striking image, with nice comp, techs and blood showing. I like the birds back working the frame diagonal.

Well done.


Cheers

Randy

[allanrube]

I like evidence of a kill too. Somehow, the 1 yellow eye and the red do not go together well, at least for me. I am curious what others think as I don't really trust my judgement on this 100%.

[Grace Scalzo]

That's a striking image that really tells a story. Nicely done, Doug.

[gail bisson]

hi Doug,
very dramatic image that really tells a story. I like the head position and lovely light as well. The diagonal lines of the perch and back create some really nice lines. definitely a keeper,
gail

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Doug, good look back pose, and I like the light in this. You have exposed and brought the detail out nicely, and Im fine with 'bloody' beak and the yellow eye together. Did he turn his head and look at you? :w3 ( or are you saving that frame for another day )

[Doug Brown]

Did he turn his head and look at you? :w3 ( or are you saving that frame for another day )

I've got some frames with the bird looking at me but I like this one best. I have the same bird on a different perch with better eye contact; I'll post that one soon.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks for the feedback Doug.

[Dave Leroy]

Good catch to get one after a fresh kill. I really like the nice light and light angle.

[Richard Unsworth]

Let me put it simply - Killer!

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Killer light, IQ, comp and story. I love it, Doug.

[dankearl]

Nice one Doug, looks like you had better weather this time, wish I could have made it up there.
I saw one Snowy with blood on the talon when I was there, thats all and no other evidence that they are eating or
what they are eating, but they obviously are.
I too, like the pose and the nice view of those great feet!

[Melissa Groo]

What a stunning image, Doug. The IQ is out of this world, and it almost looks like a studio shot, lighting and BG are so perfect. Yet those bloody feet and mouth provide that sense of wildness for sure. Wonderful portrait.

[Yves Guillot]

Nice light and pose! Wish for a nicer perch though ...but would still take it as is, of course!

[Don Nelson]

Very fine image Doug! IQ is superb and I love the fact you've seen one with meal remains.

[Doug Brown]

I forgot to mention earlier that I cleaned up a bit of white wash on the perch.

[arash_hazeghi]

This is just awesome Doug, one of those must prints!

[Arno Ellmer]

Just to add my congrats on a superb shot.The head turn and the eye are awesome ,as well as the pose.Also love the awesome claws with a hint of blood on the feathers.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Absolutely gorgeous light, great IQ, and lovely pose/exposure Doug.
Masterclass.

[Frank Schauf]

Perfect comp and bg, nice work.

[Doug Brown]

Many thanks for the comments everyone!

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Doug, what a shot...loved that red on the bill. great light and perfect comp. rest all wonderful as always.