Latest arrival

[Steve Kaluski]

So back from an epic time and so it's a slow progression through the images and PP with a clear head .

Well the two Little owls from last year have been very successfully and raised two chicks, this is number one, AKA Greedy bugger.

As soon as the parents come back you can hear the hissing from the owlets, the meal is passed on and then the on set of 'beak nibbling' (my phrase) or some form of harassment follows to that parent in terms of the owlet indicating 'I want more food!' Love the retracted right leg as viewed, you just see the tips of the talons within the soft down of plumage. No control over the BKG, where they land is what you get.

Thanks to those who viewed or posted a comment on the previous thread.

Steve

Subject: Little owlet (Athene noctua) on hay bale with insect photobombing
Location: UK
Camera: Canon 1DX
Lens: 500f/4, plus 1.4 x HH
Exposure: 1/1600s at f/8 ISO1600
Original format: Portrait, cropped for presentation
Processed: LRCC 2015 & PSCC 2015

One hay stalk remove in PP

Not bait or voice call recording used and no insect was harmed in this capture.

[Joseph Przybyla]

That little bugger sure does have the stare. Love it, with an insect no less. Thanks for sharing, Steve.

[keith mitchell]

Now Steve did you wait for that insect or was it luck?Owlet is a cracker up to your usual high standard,works really well on that straw bale

[William Dickson]

Very nice Steve, the colours on the owl are lovely and blend well with the perch and the BG. Nice touch having the insect above the owls head. I wished the insect was sharper Thanks for sharing

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love the owl's look! Great perch too, the hay is huddled up tightly and it makes for a neat effect. Bummer about the BG, but as you say, you were at their mercy...plus name me anyone who would not take that photo no matter the BG! I too wish the insect was sharp, or less oof. Looking forward to more from the series!

[Alan Murphy]

Very cute image with the bug putting it over the top.

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Great timing Steve. I like the 'greedy bugger' and his intense stare! I like the retracted foot, the fuzzy bug on top and the comp. great work. TFS .

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Steve, great eye contact here, and love how the retracted leg is completely hidden by the plumage, just the talons showing. That nest looks comfy, and well timed to have the bug flying past. Im fine with the BG.

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks guys, certainly in an ideal world where you can plan, set-up or have total control of the background does help and will make a difference to the overall composition and interest, plus you have no excuses in not getting it right LOL. Sadly no control as you have no ice where they will land, so as Daniel said, I'm very happy to take what I can.

The 'bug' was something I hadn't realise I had captured until I started to edit, any suggestions for the future in ensuring a sharper bug most welcome.

Stu, the bale of hay is about 15-20m away from the nest site. I hedged my bets there would be young so retained one knowing it would give me some image options as they start to find their wings. They use this and parts of the Willow tree to wait for the parents, plus as it's close to home, it's not far to flee from danger as I have witnessed on regular basis.

Looking forward to more from the series!

Daniel, I'm looking to hopefully provide more of a 'smorgasbord' of images of this subject, some may be more marmite, some to push the boundaries in using technology, others purely for that 'cute/expected' capture, but ultimately it's all about having fun, thanks.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image. All has been said.
I like the last sentence, sure you haven't harmed the insect.

Regards,
Satish.

[Steve Kaluski]

I like the last sentence, sure you haven't harmed the insect.

Hi Satish, sometimes there is a time to be serious and then there are times to have some fun , thanks.