Approaching Storm ~ First SEO of the Winter

[Jim Fenton]

Yup...already know that it's noisy but I was happy to see and photograph the bird so I'll live with it as they've been absent most of the winter. This one just kinda makes me happy as they are one of my favorite winter birds to photograpgh among the dunes.

Almost didn't post it but what the heck :)

Incoming storm clouds from what is slated to be a full week of cruddy weather.

Totally back lit just before sunset (not that you could see any sunset).

Nikon 600VR, TC14EII, Beanbag, ISO 1250, f 7.1, 1/60, CW metering, NearUniWB, +2.3 EV

[Ilija Dukovski]

Too bad for the noise, it is a great bird, pose, HA,
I like the BW feel too. I tried to correct the noise a bit
not sure if it is any good. Might look good if printed though...
I would give it a try.

[NoahGaines]

Great eye contact! great pic. Is this cropped? If so, a less tight crop might have the same effect with less noise.

[Desmond Chan]

Is this cropped? If so, a less tight crop might have the same effect with less noise.

I'm wondering about that, too, as I think Jim uses either a D3 or D3s ?

Like the pose, sharpness and the details ! By the way, are the facial feathers too white?

We have several short-eared owls in my area but I have never had a chance to get a shot like that.

Good job, nonetheless !

[Vinay Lakshman]

Lovely perch & HA . Agree with the above comments on the noise & the colour of the bird also looks a bit different .

[david cramer]

I believe Jim is using the D300s. You wouldn't likely see this noise with a D3s and accurate exposure, which Jim has done, at that iso. Great perch and gotta love those eyes. I'm glad they are finally showing up for you! Pretty steady for that combo at 1/60.

[NoahGaines]

Male Short-eared Owls have white faces. Females have browner faces.