Portrait of Junior

this is one of two fledged Powerful Owls in the center of Sydney last December. I was fortunate this day to have both out in a good viewing spot and as low as I have ever seen these owls roosting. Being the middle of the day, and 42 degrees Celsius, was not kind in many ways, including the dappled light and hot spots through the foliage. I masked two bright spots above the head and probably should have done the bit above junior's left eye. Maybe should also have applied some NR to the BG, but didn't have the time when processing the file earlier on. Did the copy pupil then desaturate and burn trick, then enhanced catchlight with a white brush.

30D, 300/4L + 2x, ISO800, f/8, 1/125th, hh, 75% ff, -1/3 EC, 430EX -1 with beamer

I just looked up this owl on Google. There was a newspaper article saying they are on the endangered list. It must have been a big deal having them nest in the city. I like the feather detail but the eyes still seem to have some red in the pupils. Good job in less than ideal conditions.

Akos, if Harshad is the King of Tigers, you are the King of Owls!!

How very cute!!:)

Akos,

This one has crazy eyes! Another mind-boggling close-up; not exactly something I'd hang on the wall but intriguing as heck to look at. Thanks for sharing these owl face macros because, as a biologist, I find them fascinating.

DB

Thanks guys.

Jim, I think you may be right. What is baffling is that I copied the pupils over to a new layer then desaturated them entirely before flattening the two prior to sRGB conversion. :( They are vulnerable due to destruction of their habitat. These owls need tall growth forests and lots of them with hollows. Some have attributed their territories as around 1,000 Ha for a pair but studies have shown that it can be as much as 5,000 Ha. So a lot of space for just a pair. Australia is not really good at protecting habitat and wildlife unfortunately, money and developments always seem to be far higher on any political agendas that's for sure.


Jay, you are flattering mate, I am humbled but love the thought. :) If I could spend the rest of my life photographing and studying owls, I'd die a very happy man indeed. They are the most incredible birds I have spent time with. Maybe I will be able to take you to see a few species when you are down my way. I'd love to have the honor mate. :)

Hi Akos,

Incredible and arresting image. Love the eyes- talk about sharp! I think any less crop would detract, as it's basically an "in your face" image. Might look even more outstanding if the white blob behind the left ear were removed.

Richard

Junior looks great and a beautiful portrait of him another great Owl image from you well done Akos.

Akos nice shot of Junior and those eyes! You've shown me a whole bunch of new Owl species , thanks mate.:)

Thanks Akos for sharing this image. Love your images and this owl brings a big smile to my face, it's a great portrait. I wonder why they are in danger of extintion?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Juan Carlos Vindas

I wonder why they are in danger of extintion?

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Thank you my dear friend. You ask why?

People who clear land and farm. If you look at the state of NSW, Australia on google earth, note the farms covering the vast majority of the state west of the dividing ranges. We call the little remaining pockets of bush "Islands of bush". It's disgraceful and very sad.