As this Little Owlet explored his/her new world, knowing what to eat was at times, rather challenging when your parents leave you whilst they foraged. In recent times the parents I've photographed have always been from the brood from the year before if that makes sense, but they have over the last four years moved location each year, albeit within a mile of the original site located on a farm. This leaves limited time to photograph them as things get compressed within a six week period before they all disappear. Normally the shutter has no effect, but perhaps this time it did catch the attention of this one.
Thanks to those who both viewed and more importantly, commented on the previous image.
Steve
Subject: Little owlet (Athene noctua)
Location: UK
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 500f/4 MKII Gitzo tripod, Flexline ball head
Exposure: 1/2500s at f/8 ISO2000
Original format: Portrait, slight crop from the top, FF width
Processed via: LRCC Classic & PSCC2019
Notes:
- Shot from a hide within an orchard and where two large pigs live & forage (pigs captive, pets - Bluebell & Mr Pickles, don't ask )
- The subject is fully wild and completely unconstrained. Nothing has been done to intentionally alter or affect the ongoing behaviour of the subject and, there has been no use of any form of bait or other form of wildlife attractants (including vocalisations) in the capture of this image.
Sharp and finely detailed and it has an appealing posture. I appreciate the owlet is in the light but I would be inclined to pull down the highlights a little. I also like the stone wall with the moss - as indeed does junior!
The background is unfortunate, I have tried reducing contrast etc but I think it is probably best left as is.
Sharp on the eye with a good EXP. But with the light from our left, the cute owl small in the frame, and the somewhat overbearing BKGR this one do not do a lot for me.
with love, artie
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Now if that had a darker BG this would look real good. I love the detail and colours on both the bird and 'perch'. The perch is probably over 100 years old. The facial expression on the bird is killer.
Yum, moss. This is a fun frame of this little hooter, the eyes being the high point. Side light and busy BG are a bit tough, but that's what you trade to catch the moment, right?