I got lucky this past Sunday to observe this battle unfold between these two Short-eared Owls. Unfortunately they were quite far from me forcing large crops here (despite my 600mm+1.4x), and that leaves a lot to be desired on the image quality on these frames. But I was so fascinated by the action and the sequence that I decided to share anyway, and I hope you like it...
The first owl had just hunted what looked like a mouse or a vole and was flying away when the second owl suddenly attacked her from behind trying to capture and steal her prey! The subsequent battle then unfolded. The first owl managed to keep hold of her prey all the way down until they both almost hit the ground but eventually seemed to let it go and fly back high, while the second owl successfully achieved her attack objective and disappeared behind the shrubs with the stolen catch!
These are outstanding, especially when the action dropped below the skyline! The little added contrast in background really makes them pop! Well done, and lucky you to be there to see it!
phenomenal sequence of action shots. impressed with your being able to follow it and keep everything centered in the frame. shows how in the wild catching your meal maybe half the battle. the other half is keeping it once you have it. well done.
Well done, an action sequence that is rare to see let alone capture. You must have been standing right beside of me, I swear I capture almost the identical sequence.
Thank you all for your kind comments... Very much appreciate it...
It was really awesome being out in nature and just watching this behavior, let alone photographing it...
birdied wrote:
What an amazing sequence!! Very nicely done.
Birdie
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mjgphotoz wrote:
These are outstanding, especially when the action dropped below the skyline! The little added contrast in background really makes them pop! Well done, and lucky you to be there to see it!
Mary
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Phil Seu wrote:
Great action sequence
Phil
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volhoosier wrote:
phenomenal sequence of action shots. impressed with your being able to follow it and keep everything centered in the frame. shows how in the wild catching your meal maybe half the battle. the other half is keeping it once you have it. well done.
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louie champan wrote:
Well done, an action sequence that is rare to see let alone capture. You must have been standing right beside of me, I swear I capture almost the identical sequence.
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morris wrote:
Marvelous action set Kambiz
Morris
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Dave_E wrote:
What a great job tracking these guys through the whole sequence.