On a recent trip to Horicon Marsh, I was getting ready to pull over to try and find something interesting to shoot when some movement by the waters edge caught my eye. I got out of the truck, and at first I didn't see anything, then more movement, and was I surprised. The GHO must have just caught breakfast and I was interrupting him. I never did see what he had and I didn't stay too long, but long enough to bring home a couple of memories. Thanks for looking. C & C welcome.

MarkIIn, 500mm w/1.4, Bushhawk

*After it was mentioned that some of the images were oversharpened, I reworked all of them. Thanks to those who pointed that out, they were definitely oversharpened.

#1



Edited by Doug Bentlage on Aug 05, 2008 at 09:28 AM GMT

#2


Edited by Doug Bentlage on Aug 05, 2008 at 09:28 AM GMT

#3


Edited by Doug Bentlage on Aug 05, 2008 at 09:29 AM GMT

#4


Edited by Doug Bentlage on Aug 05, 2008 at 09:30 AM GMT

#5


Edited by Doug Bentlage on Aug 05, 2008 at 09:31 AM GMT

Doug,

you got some really nice shots.

Congratulation & that close up is very intimidating.

Lil

Congrats on the great find and awesome shots to go with it. Nice job Doug. The last one would make a cool poster size print.
Herb

Dang fine images Doug. Looks like he's winking at you in number 4
I'm still to come across one of these in the wild.
Opportunity knocked and you took great advantage of it

Ant

Doug, this is the kind of surprise that can get one's adrenaline going. What a great find, and a wonderful set of images. #5 is powerful! Love it

Not fair Doug, I travel hundreds of miles to places that are supposed to be Owl Heaven and I end up with nothing, and you just tootle along in your truck, pull over, and get this. *sigh* Dang-fine shooting, and #5 deserves 3

Best Wishes,
Steve

awesome Doug.....one of those moments that could have easily been missed, especially if you weren't out there in the first place.

sweet detail

Great shots Doug, great fine detail. 500 bh way to go.

Tim

I'd back off on the sharpening, but great shots.

Nice job collecting your thoughts and gear for these Doug Just great to see you get these, good for you and us Beautiful creature and I agree #4 looks like the wink! Last shot is super cool, I see you standing up shooting this shot in the pupils! See you got Steve all jacked up now with these

Karl

Hey Doug,
These look a tad oversharpened but the colors and peeking-through-the-grass comps are pretty sweet. Especially like the close up on the last one. I noticed your owl has a dark spot on his iris. I've got one around here that I've been photographing for a few years that has a spot like that too.
Steve

Doug, These are awesome shots.
Harsha

Beautiful shots! I love seeing pictures of owls Thanks a bunch for sharing!

Jenna

#4 is fantastic, "What are YOU lookin' at?!?"

Jason

Sharp photo, love the eyes.

Doug you lucky lucky dog you What a beautiful animal! crazy eyes
The details you captured are just amazing!!

Great series, Doug. love the detail.

Nice work Doug!! I'm delighted to learn that your abilities to find fox are not indicative of your overall ability to occasionally locate photgraphical wildlife!!

I've got my son with me here in WI this week--taking a day off today to head up to Oshkosh to see some BIF's---the metal and/or composite type though.

Best to ya.

Pretty wicked captures Doug. My favorites are the 1st and last. Congrats.

Jude

Beautiful series of Great Horned Owl, Doug! Feathers and color superb!! Nice to catch the GHO out in the open. Most times I've viewed them, they were deep into carniforous trees. I especially like the close-ups.

GENE

Awesome shots Doug!!!! Each one is a keeper. Nice job.

J