Bummer! Next time, Anticipate.

[Bill Dix]

After 20 minutes of watching/photographing this beauty in various poses from my semi-concealed position, I saw out of the corner of my eye another photographer who thought he could simply walk right up to the bird. Needless to say, this was the result. With the 500 + 1.4 TC I was too close to get the full wing extension. If I had been more alert to what was going on behind me, I might have realized sooner that this guy was about to spook the owl. As it was, I didn't have time or sense to remove the TC. I know this should be relegated to the trash bin, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

D7000, 700mm, ISO 400, 1/2000s @ f/7.1 manual, gitzo and mongoose.

[Joseph Przybyla]

I feel your heartbreak, lovely bird. I too would keep it for a while.

[keith mitchell]

Bill don't they drive you wild? suppose this is the problem with public places, after saying this I was brought up to have consideration for other people old fashion I know. Never mind the wing tips the rest looks great, I do like they way you have so much detail in the under wing and that sandy setting is great.

Keith.

[John Robinson]

What a bummer ! It happens all the time though these days and especially since bird watching and digital got so popular. People tend to think of nmber 1 and they use you too.
Did you thank him ???
Cheers
John
PS Just thought- you could nick some wingtips from somewhere !!

[Bill Dix]

What a bummer ! It happens all the time though these days and especially since bird watching and digital got so popular. People tend to think of nmber 1 and they use you too.
Did you thank him ???
Cheers
John
PS Just thought- you could nick some wingtips from somewhere !!

Yes John, I did thank him. He proceeded to chase the bird down the beach, and when it perched, he walked right up to it a second time, with the same inevitable result. As to the wingtips, I don't have any more Snowy Owls. I doubt that a duck wing would look good on him.

[John Chardine]

You have still created a unique image of this great species Bill. I sometimes find myself in similar situations- with too much focal length! It's not easy to shift on the fly with a fixed-focus lens.

[gail bisson]

I feel your pain about the inconsiderate photographer and the focal length issue. Been there, done that!
Otherwise the techs look good,
Gail

[Bill Dix]

Thanks John and Gail.