Nictitating Membrane

[Troy Lim]

I am positing this image to show you the type of behavior at the time of landing. The adult came back with a gecko. The nictitating membrane (from Latin nictare, to blink) is drawn across the eye for protection during landing.

7D2 + 70-200 IS II, 1/250, f/16, ISO1600

[shane shacaluga]

Very interesting. Reminds me of sharks that do the same when they take a bite of their prey

Nicely frozen and good extension of the legs

Good setup

Thanks for sharing

[gail bisson]

I am enjoying your series very much.
Love the way the prey "is flying " in the air.
This image feels a bit more "flashed" than your other 2. Is it a different flash set-up or is it just my eyes?
Gail

[Gerald Kelberg]

That is a very cool image! The posture of the owl looks great and the way the prey is flying through the air as well...

The timing is perfect!

Thanks for sharing, Gerald

[David Salem]

This looks awesome Troy. I love the outstretched feet I and the good look at the nest cavity. The gecko is in a great position as we can see him well and even see the bands in his tail. Great work.

[Diane Miller]

Great catch! The mass and light color of the tree trunk draws my eye to the left more than I'd like. A gradient darkening makes the tree a little less flat and keeps more attention on the owl, and might be combined with a little crop if you are so inclined.

The image doesn't have an embedded profile, which can make the colors inaccurate for some viewers.

[Troy Lim]

I am enjoying your series very much.
Love the way the prey "is flying " in the air.
This image feels a bit more "flashed" than your other 2. Is it a different flash set-up or is it just my eyes?
Gail

Gail, same setup but different position on the flashes. It probably need minor brightness adjustment.

[Troy Lim]

Great catch! The mass and light color of the tree trunk draws my eye to the left more than I'd like. A gradient darkening makes the tree a little less flat and keeps more attention on the owl, and might be combined with a little crop if you are so inclined.

The image doesn't have an embedded profile, which can make the colors inaccurate for some viewers.

Great repost, Diane. Thank you for the suggestion.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Wonderful behavioural shot, Troy! Wondering if you might have a few frames ( 3 would suffice) of this amazing capture in sequence, would love to see those in Story Sequences Forum:)

Well exposed and the pose is fantastic, I imagine there are some little ones waiting to be fed...Very special image, I love owls, thank you for sharing

Kind regards,

[Troy Lim]

Wonderful behavioural shot, Troy! Wondering if you might have a few frames ( 3 would suffice) of this amazing capture in sequence, would love to see those in Story Sequences Forum:)

Well exposed and the pose is fantastic, I imagine there are some little ones waiting to be fed...Very special image, I love owls, thank you for sharing

Kind regards,

Gabriela,
Each fly in, I normally get 2 shots and of that, only one usually has the nest angle and wings position. These guys are super fast.
I usually shoot 2-5 feedings and I left them alone, no more than 2 hours.
I love owls too.