Hawk Owl

[Jody Melanson]

Model = Canon EOS-1D Mark II N
Exposure Time = 1/640"
F Number = F5.6
Exposure Program = Manual
ISO Speed Ratings = 400
Metering Mode = Spot
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 400mm
Exposure Mode = Manual exposure

I really liked the 3D effect on this picture.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Very cool pose! I'm usually not too crazy about square crops but it works very well here.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Unbelievable pose Jody and oh those eyes !!! Love the awesome action you captured here and the crops works well.

Happy New Year !

[Maxis Gamez]

You need to stop!!

Amazing image!

[Alfred Forns]

Don't mind the square crop at all here !!! One amazing image High impact Big Congrats !!!

[Fabs Forns]

Great selective focus, emphasizing those incredible eyes.
Great sharpness for 1/640 coming at you!

Happy New Year :)

[Lana Hays]

Jody
The intense look is what makes this one so outstanding. I have loved these images that you have been posting. One of these days you just might wake up to me on your doorstep in search of that owl!!

[George DeCamp]

Man, another killer shot and a killer look!

[Robert O'Toole]

Excellent, superb sharpness I would have guessed 1/1250th SS at least.


Robert

[Linda Robbins]

The crop works exceptionally well here and this beautiful image is sharp where it counts. What a mesmerizing look!

Linda

[Arthur Morris]

Great image and I love the crop and the eyes. Did you do anything to attract the bird?

Later and love, artie

[Jody Melanson]

Great image and I love the crop and the eyes. Did you do anything to attract the bird?

Later and love, artie

Yep, I baited with a mouse, Artie.

Thanks!

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Jody. I personally have no problem with bird feeding or attracting birds to your position as long as it is not harmful to the birds. I see this as an easy free meal.

later and love, artie

[Jim Neiger]

Great shot, Jody! Another stunner. If you keep this up we'll have to confiscate your camera. When you find Lana on your doorstep, I'll probably be there too. I am so jealous of all the Owls you guys get up there.

I've never tried baiting owls with mice before, but I do use recordings. Looks like the mouse may be much more effective. I've been reluctant to kill the mice, but maybe I need to get over that and give it a try. Are you able to get natural looking mice or just the white mice? I noticed that your shots never include the mouse, so I'm assuming the white ones.

[Judd Patterson]

An amazing image Jody! You routinely capture some outstanding flight poses. Wow!

[Mike McCarthy]

Nice action capture Jody. I like the wing position and eye contact. Not a big fan of the square crop...but not to imply it's bad either. I just feel the owl is a tad crowded and perhaps a tad more negative space would help ?.

[Bob Ettinger]

Got to love those eyes and the detail. Right on.

[Jay Tan]

A great pose and such intense eyes. I've always been a great fan of your flight/action images and it always struck me as a wonder how you manage to get such closeup perspectives of these birds with the 400mm. I've even gone out to get the 400mm 5.6 after getting inspired by your images! Your kind sharing of strategies/tactics in shooting and getting close to the bird is very helpful. Thanks so much for sharing!

[Ian McHenry]

Delightful capture.
Love those owl and raptor shots coming right at you.
Timing is so crucial.
Ian McHenry

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Great flight shot,I Iove the pose!