Sleepy Owl

On day one of my 7 day birding trip before moving out west ... and I'm making the best of it!

Went to about 5 Burrowing Owl burrows yesterday morning to see if I could find some younger owls, as I've never photographed one. There were three tiny guys, and they were everything but shy. They would come out, look around, and then run to the next burrow. All of this activity must get them real tired, and this little one stopped for a quick break and yawn.

At one point I stopped photographing and just watched for a while. Then, I decided to capture a video (not something I really do, but thought it was worth it). Here's the video ... the guy on the right is something else!

Shooting info:
Nikon D800 | 500 f/4
1/1250" | f/4 | ISO 1000

Comments and suggestions are always welcomed!

Very nice shot.
I really like the low shooting angle, great comp, nice details, and very nice soft light.
Very well done.

This is the best "farewell" gift you are going to get!!! POV, bokeh, and baby owl, excellent! Good luck on your relocation.

Love the soft colors and low angle, Miguel, and, of course, the absolutely adorable expression on the owl! This would also work well as a vertical. Well done!

MIguel:

A sweet little yawn, nice soft oof foreground and bg,just the right luminosity. Well captured.

The video was really funny!

Cheers

Randy

The soft BG really adds to the feeling of all things soft and fuzzy and sleepy and warm.
I would soften the white OOF grass on top of the middle of his head.
Sweet image.
Good luck with your move. Hope there are lots of birds where you are headed,
Gail

Wonderful image of a cute little owl. Unfortunately the video did not open for me.

What a cutie!! And the video is great! Love what they can do with their necks!

We were shooting one in Cape Coral a couple of years ago when a small plane flew over going into the general aviation airport at Ft Myers. The owl followed it with great interest, with similar head contortions to those you have captured here.

Very cute image, sweet light and BG. Love the low angle shooting.

Lovely shot of this little guy, Miguel! He actually looks like he's having a good chuckle at something! I echo what Gail said - soft, fuzzy, sleepy, warm - all feelings I get from this fine photograph. Good luck with your move!

How cute, looks like it is laughing or about to sneeze! I love the placement of the little guy in the frame, and I especially like the greenery you got here...the few times I've photographed them featured dry grass. I'd smoothen the edges of the pale blade touching the top of the head.