Eyes Open ~ Finally

This morning, while waiting for a meeting, I Goggled Screech Owl calls and listened to several...numerous times. I then sat in my car learning to whistle my best screech owl mating call imitation...never figuring it might work.

Up till today, I had never seen this birds eyes open.

I arrived, put the beanbag on the window, rested the camera on it, put the car seat as low as it would go so I could actually see through the viewfinder (subject is about 30' up) and watched it for a while.

It turned it's head a hair, I whistled once and low and behold...eyes actually opened up!

Not open all the way, but at least I now know it actually has eyes :)

Not bad for my last cold weather subject before I head to Florida to do some photography down there :)

Nikon D300s, 500VR, TC17EII, ISO 1000, f8, 1/80, NearUniWB, CW metering, -.3 EV

What a cutie, I know they can be pretty deaf to calls sometimes. Great light and I like the centered compo here, only way to go. Love those little horns and yes :), the eye contact.

I'll miss this bird while I'm gone...but my head is already on Sanibel Fabs :)

Nice work, Jim. Good contrast, color, and detail. I also like the center composition... you might consider a square crop. Now that you have the call down, watch out during mating season.

That is a cute one Jim ! If it were mine I would be tempted to burn the bark a bit.

Enjoy FL.. hope it warms up !

Lou

Great story and beautiful shot, Jim. How I would love to know of a little place like this where a little owl returns each day. I've kind of got the same thing going with a kingfisher perch but this is much better. Have fun in Florida.

Actually...I think this bird is feeding in his tree cavity. Twice now I've seen small bird poke their heads in for a look see and then disappear :)

With your first post I read it with interest and when I saw this one I got excited. Glad you got this cute guy with his eyes open.

Is that blood on the right talon ?

I might only follow the suggestion of darkening the bark but otherwise leave as is.

Neat image. What a find
Ted

Great to see the owl with the eyes open. I will be a month behind you to Sanibel

Jim:

Techs are very nice, with a very fun image here. Makes me smile.

+1 on slightly darkened bark, so highlight the owl.

Cheers

Randy

PS: Safe and enjoyable to Florida

Your owl sound must have been impressive, the owl looks a bit shocked. :) Great to see the eyes, sharpness looks good, too. I would just tone down the whites, they are partially overexposed.

What a cute little guy! Love the pose you captured, congrats :)

Wow this is so sweet. Love the pose, eye contact and detail. Many congrats.

Well he looks ticked off in this one Jim! Now the challenge is to get a shot with the eyes big and round wide opened!;):D:)

Paul

Thx for the story. Loved the composition and the bird is really cute. I like the subtle difference in the crop of this one than the last (more room at top here than the previous).

Just a lovely image of a cute little owlet, I am now assuming it is <30 cm. A wee bit of contrast would spice it up for me, but gorgeous as posted, Jim.

Really a very nice shot Jim I like the look that you got from this little beauty.