OK, this is 'Scruffy' a few weeks after finding him/her looking much better, as I never really like to post images where subjects are not up to scratch and or, recovering after injury which we all now feel was what happened. The yellow scabbing above the eyes and the head plumage is getting thicker and fuller. Much smaller, darker in colour and very easily spooked he/she is beginning to grow in confidence, so ANY slight movement of the camera they lock onto, plus he has a habit of looking directly down the barrel, so do they see their reflection, or my eye?????
This is part of the old farm trailer left in the meadow, now being consumed by vegetation at a rate of knots!!! They like to use it as a vantage point and a different perch/location to the tree. Personally I also like the differences of textures, with the feathers, rusty metal and wood. The nail and owl poo have been cleaned up the day after this was taken.
Thanks to those who viewed or commented on the previous posting.
Steve
Subject: Little owls (Athene noctua)
Location: UK
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Lens: EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXT (Gitzo & Flexline Pro Ball head/bag hide)
Exposure: 1/1600s at f/11 ISO800 EV -0.33
Original format: Portrait, very slight crop from above, FF width
Processed via: LRCC Classic & *PSCC2020
Time: 8.30am
* Cloned out three little holes in the metal as per Jon A's suggestion, just have to remember to do this on each output.
Note: The subject is fully wild and completely unconstrained. Besides the potential impact of my presence, nothing has been done to intentionally alter or affect the ongoing behavior of the subject and, of course, there has been no use of any form of bait or other form of wildlife attractants (including vocalisations) in the capture of this image.