Saw Whet Owl (C)

[David Hemmings]

This image was made at Ray Barlow's workshop at Mountsberg raptor center. They have 17 raptors at the center that they care for. The raptors cannot be re introduced into the wild as they have been badly injured or have been human imprinted. Some are there because of losing their nests to development. The bird in this picture has been named Hutton and here is her story:

Hutton was transferred to Mountsberg from Erie Wildlife Rescue Centre in Windsor, Ontario. She had been hit by a car in March 2008 and has permanent damage and loss of sight in her right eye. She was affectionally named in tribute to Mr. Gary Hutton, a former director with Conservation Halton, who played a major role in the establishment of birds of prey programs at Mountsberg.

They use the Owls to educate our youth in the area about the importance of conservation. Good work.

So, here is Hutton, in all of her glory, in the rain :)

Canon 1D MK 11 / Canon 100-400 / 1/125 @ f5.6 ISO 400

[Ian Mason]

What a stunning image!! The eyes are spectacularly good. The subject is so striking against that background that I might go for maximum impact by placing him dead centre.

[Arthur Morris]

Great set-up: perch and BKGR. That is one wet owl. Thanks for sharing the rehab story.

[paul leverington]

David--I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story behind this darling little lady. Been seeing her around lately and nice to see her this one more time.

Paul

[Brian Barcelos]

Thanks for the history of this little lady, very sad. Glad there are people out there that care for injured creatures and try to help educate the public.

Love the BG, brings out the bird nicely. I'd cut some off the bottom and right to make it a little tighter.

[Marc Mol]

The moss? on the perch, pose and killer BG really make this one!
Well done David.

[Kiran Poonacha]

very pretty owl indeed, nice setup too, congrats...

[Danny Laredo]

David, this is great. love the whole setup and eye contact. Great story as well.

[arash_hazeghi]

That is one soaked owl, beautiful capture David and nice story too. I wish this fellow best of luck.

[Raymond Barlow]

beautiful image buddy, it sure was a rain soaked day, but I sure am glad we all stuck it out and ended up with some sweet images.

thanks a lot for all your help.

[Jamie Strickland]

what a cute little bird, great perch and stunning background

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Great looking owl and story. Love the red BG and perch, tough I would not include so much of it if the image were mine, just my taste.