This year we were really lucky to have such a willing partner. Most GHOs hide very well, but they are not terribly shy when it comes to people. But when they come down and model for you... you know something special is happening.
morris wrote:
It was even nice enough to keep it's eyes wide open. Stunner Mike
Morris
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mitesh wrote:
Wow, you certainly were lucky! He was even considerate enough to find an attractive perch and background with the perfect complementary colors!
, true.
"Hey Mr. Photographer, Where you do want me..."
"How about over there in the evening light, right next to the overgrown mustard blooms on the great perch..."
"OK"
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Tom In Arizona wrote:
Hi Mike...
It just doesn't get any better than that. Beautiful photograph.
Thanks
Tom
I feel like with this bird, I was saying that everything I saw him. But for this particular time, it was definitely different.
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surfnron wrote:
Super shot Mike ~ Ron
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c2103 wrote:
great photo - the total composition of light . color and pose make for a special photo
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dclark wrote:
Terrific shot. All elements came together.
Dave
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birdied wrote:
Stunning !
Birdie
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Ruffo wrote:
I bet this would look amazing printed at 30X40.....with a barn wood frame of similar tones to the perch.
Very nicely done!
I hadn't thought about printing this one out, but I think you're right and I may have to do a test print. Considering this was shot at a full 50 mega pixels (with TONS of detail) I can see this going pretty big.
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tshore wrote:
Insanely good. One of the best GHO pics I have seen.
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RMC cichlids wrote:
Truly beautiful!!
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kmunroe wrote:
very nice Mike
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ytwong wrote:
beautiful shot !
Thanks everyone.
I'm pretty sure this story has been broadcasted a couple of times, but if you hadn't heard...
The story gets a little sketchy, but by best account, the parents either tried to lure the owlets to the ground a little premature (two or three field mice found right below the nest one morning) or weather played a part, but the results left this little guy alone. Of the original three owlets, one was killed in the fall, one was injured and rescued, and the featured owlet was the only one to survive the fall/jump uninjured. He stayed on the ground until an animal control officer positioned him back in a tree, but only 6-8 feet off the ground. He quickly went back to the ground and effectively roamed the area for a week.
Obviously inquisitive, during that week he found a way to a set of tress the were much more suitable for an owlet his age. He then climbed and branched around for a couple of weeks. All this time, he was getting more and more comfortable with people... some might say too comfortable. I saw a video of a park-go'er petting him like a dog floating around.
Visit after visit, those of us photographing him knew he was special, as he would commonly drop down an bask in the evening light. When mom and dad would hide in the darkness, he was a little bit of a rebel and choose the light.
, true.