Short Eared Owl in habitat

Canon 5D Mk3
f/4 500mm with 1.4
f/5.6
1/320
ISO 2000

Yesterday I was walking along a grassed area next to the beach, when I saw the Short Eared Owl flying in the distance and landing in the long grass. I made my way towards where it landed hoping to get a flight shot when it flew away. I couldn't see where it was at this time, so, I got as close as I could and hid in the long grass. After about 30 mins nothing happened, the light by now was fading fast.

I decided to move closer and crawled amongst the long grasses, when I eventually saw the owl sitting on the ground. It was quite difficult to get a clean shot, because of the conditions, but managed to get a few, before he flew off, away from me.

Will

Gosh that takes me back Will !
I used to see these so often in the old days at nesting sites. Grand shot indeed. Brings back so many happy times.Well done !
One of your best yet.
John

You have got some great facial detail and the raised ear tufts really set it off, when I first looked did think it might be a little soft but that is down to the really soft lovely feathers on the breast which always give that impression to me, just my take of course. A really good shot of this Owl in it's habitat and very well done getting it.

Keith.

Great find and a great shot, Will.

Excellent capture. Given the circumstances I imagine getting a clear unobstructed view will always be difficult but happily the face is clear.

Well this was a nice surprise, not at all what I expected from the thumbnail. Love the habitat and her expression.

You worked hard for the shot and it paid off, I like the image very much great details and colours - well done, I bet this was a very satisfying moment when you looked at the image on your PC.

Nice capture in its habitat,love the stare.TFS.

Great image Will! I like the IQ, huge pupils, setting and composition.

Thanks for the comments, they are appreciated. Yes Jon it was very satisfying :S3: Just great when something like this happens. :S3:

Will

Well done Will, I feel you just needed that little bit more ISO to help you.

TFS
Steve

Well deserved result for your fieldcraft Will.

I'd be well chuffed if I out in the effort and got this result

Mike

Hi Will, great story to the image, and your low down position has given us a great eye level shot of him. Love the eye contact, and raised ear tuffs. Great IQ for your high ISO. Well captured.

A really nice shot..
but for me, you were a little bit to near to the owl.
it is a sign form this species to get up the little ears , when they become nervous.