Wary in the Grass.....

[David Roach]

Finally got my rig back and went in search of the Burrowing Owlets. None came out on this late afternoon, but I did get to observe a very interesting confrontation. The loggerhead shrikes were literally dive bombing the burrowing owls right at their burrow entrance!! When I say dive bomb I mean actually hitting them and sometimes knocking them over. Unfortunately by the time I'd switched to AI focus they had moved on. This sentry had just been attcked and was very wary and alert for another attack!!! Created late afternoon at Brian Piccolo Park.
1DMKIIN 400DO 1.4xtc ISO 400 F11@1/400

[Michael Pancier]

I noted there were a lot of Shrikes there but didn't see them attach the owls. Love the expression on this one.

[Robert Amoruso]

David,

Like the Owl's look, position in the frame and the OOF grass. As you mentioned switching to AI Servo and missing action, I suggest you look into Custom Function 4, Option 2 on the Mark IIn. This allows you to use the star button (*) on the back of the camera to lock/stop AI Servo focus - so it works like One Shot but as soon as you let go of the button, AI Servo resumes. This way no switching from AI Servo to One Shot and back.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Love the pose here and the incredible eyes. and detail. They are so wonderful and I do hope you will have more opportunities. Thanks for sharing David.

[Blake Shadle]

David,

Like the Owl's look, position in the frame and the OOF grass. As you mentioned switching to AI Servo and missing action, I suggest you look into Custom Function 4, Option 2 on the Mark IIn. This allows you to use the star button (*) on the back of the camera to lock/stop AI Servo focus - so it works like One Shot but as soon as you let go of the button, AI Servo resumes. This way no switching from AI Servo to One Shot and back.

Awww, you beat me to it, Robert! Good tech tip! This is the default configuration with Nikon equipment. I always shoot in AF-C (continuous) mode, and if I'm making a portrait I will use the AF-Lock button and recompose ;)

Very nice work here, David. I'd like to see a little more room above your subject, and I think if he was looking directly at you it would add more impact to the image. All the tech stuff looks great, and you made a very appealing background. Keep it up!

[David Roach]

Robert, thanks for the tech tip!!! I read those options when I first got the camera and then forgot them. As always, thanks for the learnings!!!! These cameras have so many settings, it drives me crazy when I have the wrong setting from my previous images. AF/One shot is one of those that drives me crazy; the other is the exposure compensation (I usually use Aperture priority with compensation). I remember Artie's first book had the very good advice of setting back to 0 after each situation.

[Gayle Clement]

Terrific direct gaze and wonderful warm color, David.

[Freddy Franzella]

Superb image!! love those big golden eyes! and that great lighting!