Marsh owl surprise

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

I was not actually planning on taking BIF photo's as I drove off to investigate a new bird photography site. With all the birds flying around after my arrival, I quickly realized though that it's a perfect time for me to test my hands at this skill even though I was not really equiped for it (it's supposed to be a fun hobby, after all?). This owl totally surprised me as that's the last bird I was expecting to see at 09:00am. It circled a 2nd time over my head so I even had a chance to try again...

General touches in LR. Heavy crop.

Nikon D600
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR + TC14E II @ 280mm
f/5.6 | 1/1000s | ISO 1250 | Handheld

All C & C's welcome

[arash_hazeghi]

You got a nice wing position, the face looks sharp but the sun was on the wrong side unfortunately.

What's below his eye BTW?


TFS

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Thanks for your comments Arash. Yea, they don't always come from the most preferred direction, do they? It's just darker feathers below the eye.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Tobie, what a great subject for a surprise shot. I like the flight pose with the raised wings, and although the light was against you, the colours still pop against the lighter BG.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Tobie - You did very well with the opportunity. Nice wing position and sharpness.

TFS,
Rachel

[gail bisson]

Any day you get a flight shot of an owl is a good day.!
The light was not your friend here.
It is still a keeper and this one will keep you working for "THE ONE",
Gail

[Diane Miller]

A good start for BIF! Go there again! See if you can get the sun behind you.

[adrian dancy]

A larger image would be preferred. The light was not your friend here but that does not mean you should fire off a few frames because sometimes the wrong light can work to four favour.

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Thanks for the comments, everyone! I'm definately planning to go back soon - this time armed with a 300mm f2.8 (rental). The 420mm reach (with my TC14 - or shall I rent a TC17E II too?) can only be better than 280mm!

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Beautiful bird and an opportunity well used. I hope this will get you hooked on BIF (it's quite addictive beware)
Better light angle and a longer reach and you'll surely be nailing it. Looking forward to more from your future trips.