I am Going To Eat It Myself

[Troy Lim]

At the end of last year, I have made it a goal to focus on owls more than any other birds. I must say that it has been a great year for photographing owls. I am fortunate to be able to spend the last 2+ weeks photographing one of the nests. This time, I decided to photograph them only after sunset. Every night after work, I spent several hours photographing these owls. My goal was to capture as many behavior shots as I could. As soon as it gets dark, the adults would come out on their favorite oak tree branch near the nest box. They would then take turn hunting and feeding the babies. They have brought in bugs, lizards, spider and more. The male came in with a nice size lizard. Babies were not moving away from the cavity. He tried feeding it to the owlets but no one accepted it. So he took it and flew off with it.
1Dx, 200-400L, 1/250, f/11, Dual Flashes, ISO2500, Manual

[David Salem]

Wow, what a cool image Troy. Great that we can see the prey item well, looks like a green Iguana, and the best part is the two owlets with their eyes showing.
Everything looks clear and sharp. Very nice and unique capture.

[Marina Scarr]

Very cool image and story, Troy! I love seeing the 2 little heads in the cavity and the adult with prey. The fact that the prey is so sharp and easy to depict against that dark BG makes it even stronger. I am not sure if viewers understand how very difficult this species is to photograph at night like this. These owls are VERY difficult to see and they are extremely fast. You have to be on your toes every single minute so good work! I have my work cut out for me and a lot of catching up to do.

[Troy Lim]

Very cool image and story, Troy! I love seeing the 2 little heads in the cavity and the adult with prey. The fact that the prey is so sharp and easy to depict against that dark BG makes it even stronger. I am not sure if viewers understand how very difficult this species is to photograph at night like this. These owls are VERY difficult to see and they are extremely fast. You have to be on your toes every single minute so good work! I have my work cut out for me and a lot of catching up to do.

Thank you Marina.
The first few evening was not very successful for me but I learned their pattern. No matter what bring back, they always come back to two spots and "prep" the prey before coming into the nest. I have also learned the difference between the male and female: the male would leave almost instantaneously and the female would pause for several seconds. When they leave the cavity, they shoot out like a bullet before opening its wings.
I am sure you will nail the shots soon.

[Troy Lim]

Wow, what a cool image Troy. Great that we can see the prey item well, looks like a green Iguana, and the best part is the two owlets with their eyes showing.
Everything looks clear and sharp. Very nice and unique capture.

Thank you David. They brought in a lot of lizards compared to other prey.

[Satish Ranadive]

Spectacular moment captured. Wonderful image.I am unable to see exif data.TFS.

Regards,
Satish.

[Troy Lim]

Satish, the exif is in the original description. What would you like to know?

Spectacular moment captured. Wonderful image.I am unable to see exif data.TFS.

Regards,
Satish.

[Satish Ranadive]

Troy,
I am sorry. I could not see it because it is grey-black in colour.After selection it became white.
Thanks for the reply. Great educational story.

Regards,
Satish.

[Holger Leyrer]

Wow Troy, this is a great image. The old bird with the prey is super. But the two babies in the hole are stunning. Well done.