The Art of Branching

This Barred Owlet had just left the cavity (a couple of feet below) earlier in the morning. It was the first time he had used his wings outside of the cavity, and he was struggling to make his way up or around the trunk without much success.

I tried this in vertical but ended up preferring the horizontal presentation b/c it showed more of the environment. It's about 80% of full frame. Didn't have much choice in terms of composition b/c everything to the right of the trunk was not pretty.

This was my first opportunity to photograph a barred owlet still in the cavity and then branching. Although it was a difficult shoot with no flash used, it was a terrific experience. By the next day, the owlet had branched off of the tree, and I understand it's still doing well.

Canon 1D4, Canon 500L F4 IS
F4, 1/200sec, ISO 1600, manual mode
Feisol tripod, Jobu head

C & C welcomed and much appreciated.

I think that the image design by necessity works well here. It looks like the bird is in love with the tree--it's kissing it! Love, love, love the leaves on our left. EXP & SH perfect.

This is a rare opportunity and you used it very well, Marina. I like the pose with one wing up and the bird is hugging the tree.
Exposure looks right on.
I might see some noise in the background but I'm not positive.
I'm pretty sure you used NR for the background at ISO 1600.

Marina, I really liked the image...I loved the included habitat and the young owl in action...images in these settings are often prone to green cast but seem to have handled it very well...good to know you did not use flash..it brings smile as I remember photographing GH owlet in busy NY city park...TFS

I like it as presented. It shows a bit of the habitat as well as the struggles of being a young bird.

I love this.
Pure survival mode captured here.
Perfect comp for me.

Fledging aint easy and this guy looks like its a bit worried. Nice job capturing the moment. Techs look good as do the details. Well done

Wow, it must have been great to watch this unfold. Well done at such a slow shutter speed.

What a great opportunity to see and photograph, nice habitat shot and liking the oof leaves on the left...I think he looks even more clumsy that me at climbing trees

What a wonderful opportunity Marina and you captured it well! Thanks for sharing, as I'll probably never have the opportunity to witness something like this.

Excellent image of owlet with colors camouflaging with tree colors.Very nice composition with beautiful greens.Love the frame.

Regards,
Satish.

I like the pose, habitat, IQ and composition. Soon enough he will be the one to be feared. Excellent image under challenging conditions Marina!

Marina, this is so cool!! Love the forest habitat, and I'm really digging the feet clawing the tree.

Great shot, Marina!

How fun. The image tells the story of the struggling first time up the tree. I too love the environment and the leaves on the left. Reminds me of the first time I saw that red bellied woodpecker fledge. I was so proud of her. :)

Habitat makes this image a nice one. Love the green around it. Like it as is.
Never had the chance to photograph Barred Owl chicks, seen them in the shade before. Keep them coming.

Marina, if this is recent, I assume now is the nesting season for Barred Owls also. I could not remember when I saw the pair of chicks before.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Troy Lim

Marina, if this is recent, I assume now is the nesting season for Barred Owls also. I could not remember when I saw the pair of chicks before.

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This is a recent image. It's time to scout and listen for screeching owlets.