The helpful gardener

[Steve Kaluski]

Well I have just spent the last two weeks with the Little owls, but took some finding since last time, the little buggers. The three owlets are doing really well and this is Dad who turned up after two weeks yesterday afternoon, not wishing to be out done by his off spring I guess. The whole family except Mum (Mom) now come down, but the owlets have proved to be huge fun, inquisitive and I have always kept my distance, but if they come close to me that is fine, it's on their terms and I am not wishing to encroach on their comfort zone, plus I make a special habit of trying to keep any 'human' sightings etc to a minimum, so they do not associate other humans as being friendly, if that makes sense? Light here constantly changes, with the light behind me in the morning but by the afternoon it is behind the hedgerow and this spot is right under the old Willow tree, nothing like a bit of changing light to keep you on your toes.

This is now turning into a major project and hopefully with a specific end result.

Steve
Subject: Little owlet sitting on galvanised watering can (Athene noctua)
Location: UK
Camera: Canon 1DX
Lens: 500f/4
Exposure: 1/125s at f/5.6 ISO2000 +1 stop compensation Wimberley head/Gitzo tripod

(Full frame on width, slight crop top)

[vishaljadhav]

Well you are spending that kind of the time that i am sure you will get great opportunities to shoot
This one is quite a mindful image, eventhough it has a human element in it , its just nice on the eye
the bird is looking superb, holding on by one leg is interesting and i love the eyes a lot
lovely composition

[Rachel Hollander]

Steve - I love this one. I think in this case the watering can adds rather than detracts from the image. Your usual excellent techs too.

TFS,
Rachel

[Karl Egressy]

Unique perch for sure, nice looking little fellow, well photographed.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Steve,
not usually a fan of man made perches.....but it does seem to work here well. Nicely composed too! I may tone down the can a few more points.....but all in all a fine image!

[Satish Ranadive]

Nice and cute little fellow, nice perch and very nice composition.Superb image.

Regards,
Satish.

[Loi Nguyen]

Steve, this is an excellent series of yours. The owl and the perch work together well with the title! I saw a streak above the owl slightly to the left that is somewhat distracting. I'd try t blend it in with the BG if it were mine. Loi

[Andre Pretorius]

Techs spot-on as always, this will make a nice front cover for Garden&Home magazine!

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks guys, yes andre I already had that in mind when I took the shot, hence more room above for the Masthead.

Sorry for not responding sooner, not getting reply notifications!

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Ha ha ha funny owl, very nice pose and super eye contact!

[Ashley Cohen]

amazing capture, you've nailed it and the unusual perch really makes the shot!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Unique and unusual! I agree with toning down the can a bit, but all else looks great. A smile maker!

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello Steve This is the coolest designer watering can I have ever seen in my whole life
Unbelievable shot, incredible pose from the little owlet, so well captured and great IQ as always-I absolutely adore this, may I order a print before it goes to a magazine cover?
...sorry to be so scarce lately, preparing for the trip to the Kalahari next Friday and tried to stay away from the computer...could not stay away for more than a few days, Andre told me to check the avian thread for something special...did not have to search long...I just found it I have a special place in my heart for the little things in nature, this image is so special, I really appreciate you sharing this

Warmest regards,

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi folks, will take a look at toning down (slightly ) the watering can.

Gabriela, thank you for your kind words, I thought you were already on your travels, guess I will be leaving ahead of you, but just by a day. I can't do it this week but when I'm back I will take a look at a print for you, just drop me your address, as it too long before I'm back in SA next year.

[Gabriela Plesea]

I would be thrilled and honoured to have this print on my study wall, not only because I love it so much but also because your work is an inspiration to me and I have learnt so much from you-thank you from the heart Steve!

Warmest regards,

[gail bisson]

This is really lovely Steve.
It made me smile.
Gail

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Super sweet Steve. LOve the overall idea. I would have shot this with the whole can and bird farther over to the left so I could see more of the water can but not all of it but still great as presented.

[Randy Stout]

Steve:

Pretty darn cute!. The comp works well for me. The owl is so small, that the can could easily overpower him, so just showing part of it works nicely. It is immediately obvious what it is, so you don't need more.

Cheers

Randy