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Archive 2014 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)

  
 
BNJarrett
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


This was my third attempt at capturing some decent Snowy Owl photographs. This level of talent on this board is impressive and you all make me want to be a better photographer.

I had a pair of Snowy Owls about 35 miles from my house, but last time I was looking for them there were 4 trucks full of Coyote hunters and believe they have scared them off or they have headed back North. Haven't been able to find them last 3 times I have looked for them.

Yesterday I got up at 3:45 AM and headed to Lee County Illinois (95 miles) where there are 11 - 14 Snowy Owls.

I arrived at the spot where most of the sightings have been about 20 minutes before sunrise. I drove around a little and found a silhouette of an owl and had to wait for enough light to photograph it in. Then an amazing sunrise started happening. I had never shot a sunrise or landscape with my 500mm prime before.

1) sunrise


2) Owl #1



3) Owl #2 The Eyes, Too close, Too much lens.


When I got out of the car and started to setup and get ready. She would fly right towards me. I believe she has been fed and imprinted with Photographers with big lens equal food.

After the first shot, I took the 500mm prime off and went the rest of interaction with this female with my 70-200mm. She allowed me to spend about 45 minutes with her. It was something very special to get to connect and interact with nature. This was yet another life changing moment, and ranks right up their with my Smoky Mountain Bear and 3 cubs.

4) The Swoope


5) Lift Off


6) Gear up, Wings up


7) Fly By


8) The Feet


9) Wall Hanger #1



10) Wall Hanger #2


11) Kent, I'm an Eagle!


12) Garage Owl #3


14) #4 shot at 700mm: 500mm + 1.4 TC, Sleepy Eyes


3:45 AM wake up + watched sunrise + 280 miles + $57.50 in gas + 9 hours in a car + FULL Frame Snowy Owls photos = PRICELESS!!!!!!

I know these aren't as good as some on here, by I am really happy to be able to spend some time photographing these special birds. Life is good and I am blessed.

Thanks for stopping by!

Kent






my photography blog



Mar 01, 2014 at 03:42 PM
morris
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


4, 7 and 10 are my picks Kent. Sounds like a good outing.

I love to do long lens landscapes. The compression of depth makes for a unique look.

Morris



Mar 01, 2014 at 03:45 PM
MS PHOTO
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Super set Kent, #4 is my pick
Paul



Mar 01, 2014 at 04:46 PM
birdied
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Congratulations Kent ! Your efforts certainly payed off . Your shots certainly can stand up to others posted.
Wonderful set. 1, 8 ,9,10 , 11 and the last are my favorites.

Birdie



Mar 01, 2014 at 07:15 PM
Herb Houghton
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Very nice set Kent with lots of action. My top pick is #4 for the full spread wings and tail.


Mar 01, 2014 at 07:25 PM
USM IS
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Bravo!

Mike



Mar 01, 2014 at 07:32 PM
Larry Williams
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Hi Kent,

All are quite special and I'm glad that you got some terrific shots. #5 is my favorite with #7 is a close pick.

By accident, you found that landscapes are quite special when combined with a long lens.

Congrats.

Larry



Mar 01, 2014 at 07:57 PM
KCollett
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Your efforts paid off well Kent The two hangers, plus the one previous, are the ones I enjoyed the most. Well done. Now, go catch up on your sleep!


Mar 01, 2014 at 07:59 PM
kmunroe
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


280 miles is a long drive Kent.. nicely lookin set of owls


Mar 02, 2014 at 04:33 AM
surfnron
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Your rewards were well worth the cost Kent. This is a very nice set with 4, 7, 9, and 10 my picks ~ Ron


Mar 02, 2014 at 11:23 AM
BNJarrett
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Thanks for all the nice comments. I feel blessed to have been able to capture this day with the snowy owls.

Kent



Mar 02, 2014 at 08:04 PM
jkochuni
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Just amazing! Love each shot. Would you mind giving me directions? I might head there next weekend.


Mar 02, 2014 at 08:40 PM
BNJarrett
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


jkochuni, PM Sent.



Mar 03, 2014 at 12:33 PM
AvianScott
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Nice series. Looks like some baiting going on which might ruffle a few feathers, but IMO it doesn't detract from some great images.


Mar 03, 2014 at 01:03 PM
BNJarrett
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


AvianScott wrote:
Nice series. Looks like some baiting going on which might ruffle a few feathers, but IMO it doesn't detract from some great images.


I stated between photos 3 and 4 that I believe she has been imprinted or impressioned. I did not bait, but she had lost all fear of humans.

I left when other photographers showed up with mice and started feeding her. I am worried for her well being once they start to migrate and she has become dependant on the hand outs.

Kent



Mar 03, 2014 at 03:42 PM
IdahoBob
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


BNJarrett wrote:
3:45 AM wake up + watched sunrise + 280 miles + $57.50 in gas + 9 hours in a car + FULL Frame Snowy Owls photos = PRICELESS!!!!!!

Kent



Agreed. Very nice.

Bob



Mar 03, 2014 at 04:16 PM
VinnieJ
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Great shots. I was in that area yesterday around 11:00am, I only saw two of them. I definitely didn't get as close as you did. Congrats!


Mar 03, 2014 at 05:18 PM
Ted ellis
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Outstanding Kent.....great female shots

Tag you're it!

Ted



Mar 03, 2014 at 05:55 PM
BNJarrett
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


Thanks Bob, Vinnie and Uncle Ted!



Mar 05, 2014 at 03:28 PM
ardvorak
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Snowy Owls of Lee County Illinois (14)


GREAT shots, Kent. I'm glad you were able to capture them. It was something of a surreal experience; magical, for certain!




Mar 05, 2014 at 04:16 PM
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