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Jody Melanson
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p.1 #1 · Northern Hawk Owl

The Northern Hawk Owl is not likely to be confused with any other owl. This is one of the most diurnal (meaning he hunts during the day) owls. The distinctly Hawk-like or Falcon-like owl is usually seen perched in a high vantage point, tree limb or even telephone pole, scanning for prey. This is a very bold, almost tame, owl that seems focused on prey and some times may be approached very close with little obvious fear or concern of people. The sexes are alike in appearance although male and female can be distinguished by voice. The bill is yellow, the iris of the eyes are lemon yellow, and the length is 16" (about the size of a Prairie Falcon). The relatively long tail, whitish facial disk outlined with black, white spotted back and head, heavily brown barred whitish chest and falcon shape are the identifying markings for this northern owl. Deep brown back deepens to black at the nape and head. Heavily white spotting become smaller and more numerous from the nape around to the forehead.

1

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This guy flies very fast and is tough to track while in flight.

4

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Do you like the processing on this one?

7

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I love how even their eyelids are covered with feathers.

I call this one, "rounding second base"

I had trouble with the camera grabbing focus on the thistles instead of the Owl. Was happy to see this photo while going through my shots of the day.

9

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About to pounce!

10

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Crop from above.

11

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My personal favourite shot of this beautiful little Owl. Have already had this printed large.

Dec 27, 2007 at 03:10 PM

Trey Neal
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p.1 #2 · Northern Hawk Owl

You guys and the owls - these are great Jody. I just don't see enough of them - they are on my list of creatures to capture for '08.

Dec 27, 2007 at 03:19 PM

Karl Witt
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p.1 #3 · Northern Hawk Owl

Jody, these are just a fantastic display of nature and your incredible talent for capturing it. A wonderful pleasure to look at all of these, beautiful. Looks like #9 shot is rounding a pylon (thistle) at an air race. Quite unique how the talons are tucked up in the tuft of feathers on the underside.

Thanks for sharing the experience.........I enjoyed it

Karl

Dec 27, 2007 at 03:41 PM

Ted ellis
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p.1 #4 · Northern Hawk Owl

Jody Melanson wrote:
The Northern Hawk Owl is not likely to be confused with any other owl. This is one of the most diurnal (meaning he hunts during the day) owls. The distinctly Hawk-like or Falcon-like owl is usually seen perched in a high vantage point, tree limb or even telephone pole, scanning for prey. This is a very bold, almost tame, owl that seems focused on prey and some times may be approached very close with little obvious fear or concern of people. The sexes are alike in appearance although male and female can be distinguished by voice. The bill is yellow, the iris of the eyes are lemon yellow, and the length is 16" (about the size of a Prairie Falcon). The relatively long tail, whitish facial disk outlined with black, white spotted back and head, heavily brown barred whitish chest and falcon shape are the identifying markings for this northern owl. Deep brown back deepens to black at the nape and head. Heavily white spotting become smaller and more numerous from the nape around to the forehead.

Killer Jody.

Were you holding a mouse in your hand for the second shot

Two is my favorite from a great series.

Ted

Dec 27, 2007 at 03:48 PM

mark fadely
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p.1 #5 · Northern Hawk Owl

Holy Cow! I think these are your best flight shots I've seen jody. #1 is nice and then on # 2 I fell out of my chair. Jeepers Creepers, just look at them peepers! That is one beautiful animal captured like never before. Truely awesome Jody!

Dec 27, 2007 at 03:51 PM

ranankay
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p.1 #6 · Northern Hawk Owl

JOdy you've done it again, I hope you make a lot of money with your images, because if you dont I dont have a chance. lol
Randall

Dec 27, 2007 at 03:56 PM

alameda
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p.1 #7 · Northern Hawk Owl

What a nice -- almost - New Years gift! Wonderful and amazing shots. I appreciated the comprehensive information about the owl. Steve W

Dec 27, 2007 at 03:56 PM

Bob Lund
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p.1 #8 · Northern Hawk Owl

Great series Jody! #2 is my favorite, just because - Bob

Dec 27, 2007 at 04:05 PM

72chevelle454
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p.1 #9 · Northern Hawk Owl

very nice series Jody, way better then the Nikon D300 shots I saw of him

Just kidding of course

Dec 27, 2007 at 04:33 PM

jakita33
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p.1 #10 · Northern Hawk Owl

Incredible!!! I like #2 and 10. These are magazine quality - like most of your work.

j

Dec 27, 2007 at 04:53 PM

Jody Melanson
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p.1 #11 · Northern Hawk Owl

Trey Neal wrote:
You guys and the owls - these are great Jody. I just don't see enough of them - they are on my list of creatures to capture for '08.

Thanks Trey!

The coolest thing about Owls is, they don't make a sound when flying. (from their wings I mean....sometimes they will call)

Hope you get the chance, Trey!

Dec 27, 2007 at 05:05 PM

Jody Melanson
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p.1 #12 · Northern Hawk Owl

Karl Witt wrote:
Jody, these are just a fantastic display of nature and your incredible talent for capturing it. A wonderful pleasure to look at all of these, beautiful. Looks like #9 shot is rounding a pylon (thistle) at an air race. Quite unique how the talons are tucked up in the tuft of feathers on the underside.

Thanks for sharing the experience.........I enjoyed it

Karl

Thank you Karl for the kind words. It was my pleasure sharing them with you guys. It is a real gift having the opportunity to shoot Owls.

Dec 27, 2007 at 05:17 PM

Stripper
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p.1 #13 · Northern Hawk Owl

Wow Jody...and wow again. I rarely comment on your posts because by the time I see them they have gotten a lot of response, but I just have to tell you that these are fantastic.

I am sure you scouted and worked out the logistics of these photos for a while. Could you tell us about the planning etc that went into getting these amazing shots of this wonderful bird.

Thanks,

JohnCote

Dec 27, 2007 at 05:21 PM

Ken Crouch
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p.1 #14 · Northern Hawk Owl

Jody

I always look for your photos from the Great White North

This work - as usual - is awe-inspiring. What a beautiful bird - wonderfully captured. Hopefully I'll make it up north to see one of these guys someday.

Thanks again for sharing the fruits of your efforts with us!
Ken

Dec 27, 2007 at 05:29 PM

RT v Genugten
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p.1 #15 · Northern Hawk Owl

Magnificent!!!

RT.

Dec 27, 2007 at 05:36 PM

Jody Melanson
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p.1 #16 · Northern Hawk Owl

Ted ellis wrote:
Jody Melanson wrote:
The Northern Hawk Owl is not likely to be confused with any other owl. This is one of the most diurnal (meaning he hunts during the day) owls. The distinctly Hawk-like or Falcon-like owl is usually seen perched in a high vantage point, tree limb or even telephone pole, scanning for prey. This is a very bold, almost tame, owl that seems focused on prey and some times may be approached very close with little obvious fear or concern of people. The sexes are alike in appearance although male and female can be distinguished by voice. The bill is yellow, the iris of the eyes are lemon yellow, and the length is 16" (about the size of a Prairie Falcon). The relatively long tail, whitish facial disk outlined with black, white spotted back and head, heavily brown barred whitish chest and falcon shape are the identifying markings for this northern owl. Deep brown back deepens to black at the nape and head. Heavily white spotting become smaller and more numerous from the nape around to the forehead.

Killer Jody.

Were you holding a mouse in your hand for the second shot

Two is my favorite from a great series.

Ted

Actually Ted, a couple of the guys caught a wild Vole and we then released it, provoking this shot as he swooped down to grab the Vole.

Thanks!

Dec 27, 2007 at 05:40 PM

Jfarmer
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p.1 #17 · Northern Hawk Owl

Masterfully done beautiful shots. Looks like a lot of fun to shoot them.
Jon

Dec 27, 2007 at 06:07 PM

thehotel
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p.1 #18 · Northern Hawk Owl

Only word I can think of for this series.

"SUPPERDUPPERTASTIC"

Wacky roger

Dec 27, 2007 at 06:11 PM

aushalk
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p.1 #19 · Northern Hawk Owl

Hi Jody,
Breathtaking shots ! ! ! Just class(of the owl of course

) If these shots came out from say Andy Rouse' camera, they would be on display with £££'s price tags

.
You should seriously consider setting up your own website to sell your great work(I wonder how effective is smugmug for selling images). #s 1,2 & 12 are my favourites.
Did you spot meter off the snow and added light or from the owl itself?
Thanks for sharing

Dec 27, 2007 at 06:30 PM

mercapto
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p.1 #20 · Northern Hawk Owl

Lol.
It's the same owl raymondjbarlow posted Dec 25th...

Same tree, same carving in the wood

Same print on it's forehead.

You two shoot together or is it a coincidence ?

Edited on Dec 27, 2007 at 06:48 PM

Dec 27, 2007 at 06:47 PM

fwyflyr
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p.1 #21 · Northern Hawk Owl

Jody -
Awsome series! Every year I look forward to the raptors and owl offerings from your neck of the woods.
The perched shots are complemented by photogenic perches, the flight shots by dynamic poses, etc., etc., etc. ............. Well, I guess you get my drift.
- Ken

Dec 27, 2007 at 08:49 PM

iMen
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p.1 #22 · Northern Hawk Owl

Wow wat a great serie of photos! 5 is my favorite, great collors and compo! Beautifull!

Dec 27, 2007 at 09:14 PM

bruceali
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p.1 #23 · Northern Hawk Owl

KILLER shots Jody, please send a 3' x 4' of each asap, the check is in the mail.
Bruce

Dec 27, 2007 at 09:26 PM

Tom Hicks
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p.1 #24 · Northern Hawk Owl

Jody, Trey and I have booked or flight out of DFW for next week

, can you be sure and pick use up next Friday morning at the airport.

We will have everything we need , I even have my own mice .

Dec 27, 2007 at 09:31 PM

Chris Procter
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p.1 #25 · Northern Hawk Owl

mercapto wrote:
Lol.
It's the same owl raymondjbarlow posted Dec 25th...

Same tree, same carving in the wood

Same print on it's forehead.

You two shoot together or is it a coincidence ?

Great shots Jody... I love seeing your bird photography, and these are no exception (stellar)

Mercapto - it seems RaymondJBarlow has some misgivings about Bird Baiting after this shoot
http://www.pbase.com/raymondjbarlow/image/90785371

I personally see nothing wrong with it... after all most Nature Lovers have Bird feeders in there backyard and photograph them

Dec 27, 2007 at 09:31 PM


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