Little Owls on guard

[Richard Unsworth]

I was very pleased when I realised these Little Owls where setting up home next to my rental house in Orique, Beja, Portugal

Unfortunately I never did get closer to them but this shot shows the place they chose to raise a family.

The nest was somewhere close by in the millions of flowers/rocks

7D 100-400@400 TRIPOD F 8 ISO 800 1/250
NR and smartsharp 100,0.5 crop is around 50

[Bill Dix]

Nice record shot. Wish they had turned around, of course, but this captures the moment and the setting.

[Richard Unsworth]

In October I am moving to live at this location for one year at least, I will be able to set up a hide somewhere around this area.
There are Kites, Eagles,Montagu Harrier seen here several times each day so the coming months should be , lets say interesting.

[Marina Scarr]

I am okay with the owls looking away from the viewer but the dirt road I find distracting. Like the contrast between the flowers and the dark bark. Sounds as though you're going to have a good year at this location.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I can appreciate that you could not get closer this time. I do wish for more dof to get both birds sharp, and personally I find the bottom half of the perch too much...I'd crop away about 2/3 of the thicker part at bottom (I know the image is already cropped lots though.). Sounds like a great place, I'm sure you'll have tons of opportunities and fun there!!

[PhilCook]

Awwwwww....you have Owls living near by your rental house...so...lets do a deal on rent fees shall we ? hahahaha

Hoping you get some great shots in the near future

[Ken Watkins]

Richard,

Sounds like you will have plenty of good opportunities over the next year, I wish you the best of luck.

As to this image I agree with the comments about the road and perch.

[Melvin Grey]

It sound like you have found a great location for the coming year - I look forward to the coming shots. With regard to this image, you have explained the situation and it is a fine record shot but - not one of your better images, I'm still looking forward to the next ones!

[Richard Unsworth]

Yes Melvin


It is not too good, best I could get.

Hopefully having them outside the door should be interesting!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Richard, great having two in the frame, and I like the splash of flowers in the BG. As you are going back for a while, I would try and get a close of an individual, but no doubt, I dont have to tell you that.

[Richard Unsworth]

Well indeed Stuart, 2 and flowers is what appealed to me.
this shot was over big distance and I was pleased as I have seen very few owls ever!

Should be able to get closer next time