into the dive Barn Owl

Here is another for this months theme,barn owl going in for its breakfast,I have the full sequence of this owl on the hunt and going in to the dive and entering the reeds,Iwas going to do a vertical,but wanted to show more environment,cannon500mmIS,L,F4,1/4EXT,700mm FL,handheld,small crop,sharpened,shadows.iso500,1/3200S,F6.3.

Chris a vertical could well work but do agree with you on keeping all that habitat on view, what is the dark backdrop behind the reeds? Seen this many times and do think you have caught it spot on.

Keith.

Excellent capture Chris. I wonder if this might work better with a portrait format?

Hi Chris, well captured here, as Im sure the Owl was descending pretty fast for his meal. With the light coming from the RHS, it shows up the wing detail nicely. Im fine with the diving pose, but I wondering that first prize would have had the Owl more to the right in the frame. I like that you have left all of the enviroment in.

I like the diving pose, sharpness and setting. Nice image Chris.

Love the owl and the BG but would place the owl on the right of the frame. Do you have more room on the left?
The light really lights the owl up well,
Gail

Thanks for looking and comments,Keith the BG is farmed moorland,with patches of heather,the sheep eat the heather,and rough grass takes its place,Gail.I have a bit,but not enough.Thanks again.

"Keith the BG is farmed moorland,with patches of heather" it gives a nice dramatic effect Chris.

Thanks Keith.

Good diving pose, with lovely light on the upstretched wing. Beautiful environment. I'm OK with the placement in the frame, but could see it either way. Good Small-in-Frame shot.

Thanks for looking and comments Bill.