"Mom, look what I caught"

[David Salem]

This was my fourth seasons hanging out with this group of Burrowing Owls. Its been a great expeariance and I have become part of the family now as they have become very tollarant of me.
They catch lots of different insects but this large grasshopper was one of the coolest captures I have documented. This is a baby that flew this hopper down, then came back to the spot I was shooting him and ate it in front of me.

1DX---600mm---f6.3---ss1/3200---ISO640---HH from truck---25% crop

Thanks as always for looking and for your input. I appreciate it.

David

[Greg Oakley]

Awesome frame as usual David - fantastic pose, prey and that eye is just brilliant! This owl species is either tiny (having never seen one), or that grasshopper is enormous!

[Marina Scarr]

That is one HUGE grasshopper. It's fun how the fledgling is a bit off balance with his right toes slanted upwards. The eye really pops too.!

[Jim Crosswell]

Excellent image David! I like the prey, pose, IQ, clarity, composition and complimentary BG. You even got a good HA on the grasshopper.

[David Salem]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

[Diane Miller]

That looks delicious! As does the picture -- love the colors, pose and sharpness. Great eyes!

[David Salem]

Greg,

Yes this species of owl is pretty small, about 6" high, and yes that is a huge grasshopper.
Thanks

[Stu Bowie]

Hi David, great eye level perspective here, and you have captured the moment perfectly. That looks like a great snack for the little fellow. The browns throughout the image compliment each other nicely.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Awsome. I'm only slightly distracted by the piece of debris touching the claw, but other than that this image really rocks!

[Tom van den Brandt]

That's a great image. Good details on the prey and owl. Love it!

Cheers, Tom

[supreet.sahoo]

Thats nothing short of fabulous!! And boy is that a big grasshopper!!

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi David , one cool shot !!!!
Great job , nice tones and color/contrast . The grasshopper is a great bonus and adds to the image.

TFS Andreas

[MiroslavMaric]

Great shot! Like the pose with prey. Sharp and good lighting too. Well done. TFS.

Cheers!
Miro

[keith mitchell]

David been pretty well covered above, you have a fantastic image here.

Cheers Keith.

[WillieHall]

Thanks, good example of an image for me to strive for, nice backstory and it must be a great experience having a group to follow regularly. I am looking for them in No Cal, but no luck yet.

[Richard Flack]

Great shot David! Great detail, nice clear BG and one awesome prey item. It is must be such a privelege to hang out with these guys. Thanks!

[Binu John]

Wonderful shot, David! Love the composition, details, pose, POV, light and the prey. Another solid keeper.

[David Salem]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I appreciate it.

[Satish Ranadive]

Fantastic image, David. Love it.

Regards,
Satish.