I know, I don’t have eye contact from my subject which is one of the unspoken rules in bird and wildlife photography but I don’t mind bending those rules when it comes to images that I find interesting or appealing. I like how these images makes my mind wonder… Where is the American Barn Owl going? Is it searching for prey?
American Barn Owl butt shot – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
I love the warm tones of the bird against the pure white of the snow, the spread of the wings and those big feet hanging down. That is enough for me with this image.
Another American Barn Owl butt shot – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This image reminds me of a fairy tale, I think it was about the Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson and the imagery in the story of the ice covered country side seems similar to what is in this frame. And again, I love the spread of the wings, the fanned out tail and the way the colors of the owl’s plumage is echoed in the exposed dirt on the hillside.
Yes, I try to always get eye contact from my subjects but some times I don’t mind American Barn Owl butt shots at all.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Barn Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
Mia, I love these “butt” shots! One can certainly let their mind wonder when gazing upon these photos. Isn’t that what it is all about also?
South-end shots are not what you would exhibit on the wall but they are interesting nevertheless. Thanks for posting them Mia.
this owl is beautifull, the colors are well presented with the wings well opened like that
thanks mia ☺
see you soon
And with a butt like that, who could be anything but happy.
P.S. I just noticed that your top owl photo has almost the same silhouette as your trademark!
Mia, these shots are gorgeous and I like the way it shows the bird’s plumage and the spread wings! I also like your comparison to the Snow Queen Fairy tale. It’s nice to know that someone else has such an imagination!
I really like the rearview shots…I’ve been working on a watercolor of a Great Horned owl and need a picture of the tail…like this shot. Tried to take pic. Of a live one, but he insists on facing me….no owl is going to let a potential predator like me behind his back!
Mia,
For those of us who have yet to see this beautiful species in the wild, these are GREAT images! Glen
Mia,
These shots of the owl are beautiful and evocative. They remind me that the beauty of nature is fleeting and we often only ‘see’ it when it has already passed us by. I love them…
Wonderful shot Mia.. great illumination of the owl
Good shots, Mia. I see nothing wrong with a rear-end view now and then.
Nice one Mia.