First Bee

Hi, its Ashleigh.

I took this in my backyard yesterday. I first thought when I heard these owls one night that they were Northern Saw-Whets because the calls were shorter, but once I had setup my blind and took a few photos, I knew they were Screech Owls. Sorry, Daniel, for thinking these were Saw-Whets! We have more to learn identifying birds by their sounds. Still pretty cool though!

Anyway, I wanted to post this one to see what you think. I like the interaction between the owl and the bee, but not sure it works. I'm waiting for the owls to fledge and hoping they will perch nearby for a few days so I can shoot them out of the box.

I also want everyone to know that I'm being very careful to not disturb these nestlings. I only took a few pictures from a blind and he didnt see me.

I hope everyone is doing well and thanks for commenting.

Canon 7D, Canon 300mm f/2.8
ISO 400
300mm
f/2.8
1/500s

:S3:Ashleigh

Hi Ashleigh, My first thought was to remove the bee till I realized the owl was looking at it. I'm not sure it works though with the bee being so oof which is a shame because it is lit very nicely. I like the expression on the owl and the great detail you captured.

Thank you Cheryl. I know it's not one of my best, and I agree it doesn't work if the owl is sharp and the bee isn't.

i found out where one of the adults is roosting during the day (a rufous) and will post that if I can get a good photo.

Guess what? one of my fox kit images is on the homepage of nationalgeographic.com as a Best of May Kids Photo!

Bye.

Here's a perhaps goofy idea - try to replace the bee in Photoshop with a photo of one that is in focus. It may be a pain but I suspect it would make the difference in the image as it is apparent that the owl is looking at the insect. Just a thought....

Barry

I think this image is quite unique. You have a very nice nest box. Your owls face is nice and sharp. I am not sure the nest box is straight and couldn't figure it out when I brought the image into PS. I think I would consider taking some canvas off of the left and bottom for a tighter crop which would make the bee more visible. I really like what you were going for here. I wish you could get a little higher angle.

I am not sure you need to be in a high for screech owls. I have photographed them many times out in the open but it is when the light is low. I think if you could get higher to photograph this bird, it would be most helpful.