Bad Mouse Dream

[Paul Lagasi]

I just got back from Vancouver after seeing the Red-flanked Bluetail and decided that it was time for me to go see the 3 Great Gray Owls that have been frequenting and area in East Ottawa.
I believe a few BPN members have been there in the last month since they were discovered.

I didn't bother looking for the Owls, I just looked for the scopes, binoculars and cameras, of which there were aplenty. Dressed for the cold I sat down an waited, soon one by one they all left and I could get close for a few photos.

After taking a few images, 2 guys came up in snowshoes from the woods, no cameras or binoculars...just a backpack. Well I tell you I was in for the time of my life, they were two locals who'd heard about the owls and had gone out and bought 5 mice for each of the owls.

Well by the time the owls had their fill, so had my camera card....

While I did feel sorry for the mice, I am guilty..I couldn't resist the temptation of Owl in flight images.

Thanks for looking, I will post the Red-flanked Bluetail this week. Image converted to B & W.

[Paul Lagasi]

Title should read "Mouse's Bad Dream"

[Steve Adkins]

Way to hang in there, Paul! Well worth the cold wait. Wonderful capture of the Great Grey Owl having dinner. The BG is very intriguing, also.

[Dennis Bishop]

Super job on this, Paul. And thanks for the account of how you found it. It's an excellent b&w conversion, and the detail in the snow is terrific. I'd crop just a bit from the top and do something to make the mouse stand out a bit more, but it's a great image as is.

[gary ellwein]

A magnificent bird well presented with good feather detail. Like the subtle yellow in the eyes.

[Dave Woeller]

Wonderful image and well worth your efforts.

[Maureen Allen]

Wonderful capture, Paul. The B&W conversion truly conveys the harshness of the winter snow. The background is interesting and adds to the image. Really nice

[Mitch Carucci]

Wow, I might have nightmares tonight also! Great pic. I like it in B&W, but I bet it is a good color pic also.

M.C.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Paul, this looks great in black and white and you did a great job with the snow. I like the background - it adds some mystery to the image.

[Christopher Miller]

Very nice capture, Paul. I like the owl's pose, and the B&W works well for the image.

[Anita Bower]

Good job. What fun it must have been to take this photo. I agree with suggestions by Dennis. I wonder what it would look like in color? The owl seems to be thinking--I can't believe I got this mouse!

[Paul Lagasi]

Thank You all for the positive comments.....Here is the color version

[Anita Bower]

I like it in color and B&W. i wish the mouse were more distinct.

[Indranil Sircar]

Love the B&W version... certainly a Mouse's Bad Dream! Some time in future I have to go up North to see them. Excellent composition!

[Andrew McLachlan]

Hi Paul, great capture...I have not seen any around these parts yet this year.