I was up in northern MN yesterday and had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. As I was photographing this Gray, he decided to check me out for a closer look as well and landed about 5 feet from me in the snow.
This photo was with the D2X and the 70-200VR from about 8 feet away. I have never seen their little legs (he reminded me of a muppet )
http://www.braingiants.com/fm/owl_standing.jpg
Then, as he walked too close for the focusing distance on the 70-200, I had to swtich to the 28-70 2.8 and this came out of the camera, uncropped. This little guy was truly an explorer and I am grateful for being able to meet him up-close. (I even attempted to press my luck and threw the 500D on my 70-200, but didn't want to disturb his circle of comfort).
http://www.braingiants.com/fm/owl_closeup.jpg
After firing off a few hundred shots, I actually sat down in the snow next to him (or her) and just enjoyed the moment. Here are a few pics taken of me during the experience. Thanks for all comments
Oh my gosh! Oh my! I'm speechless. Absolutely fantastic job of taking advantage of this opportunity. I am dripping with envy for the second time in a week. Where do you guys find your owls!
Aren't you glad you took time to enjoy the moment?!! Unbelievable. As always, am impressed with your photos. Makes you feel like you are right there with you.......
How cool is THAT! What a great experience for you. You did a fine job of capturing it and what luck to have another photographer to record your moment. Outstanding. Thanx for sharing.
Normcar21 wrote:
Oh my gosh! Oh my! I'm speechless. Absolutely fantastic job of taking advantage of this opportunity. I am dripping with envy for the second time in a week. Where do you guys find your owls!
Wow, I really appreciate the positive feedback. What was the first time ? I actually first heard of the owls migrating south from another member of this great forum OwlsEyes.
I dont know where he found his... but I was there on Saturday... its nuts up in aitkin county Mn... owl central... you cant hardly sneeze without knocking down either an owl or a photographer (usually both are found together!).... I saw so much big glass hanging out of windows it was staggering... but it was also unneeded as you could usually walk right up to them with no problem......
standing in one spot (with an absolute caravan of photographers parked along the road)... I counted 15 great grays.... some of them are fearless and are easily approached.... I could have easily petted a couple of them (but I did not touch!).. and they acted like that would be "ok"... I switched to my 28-70 for one card full of shots ..... owl macros if you like.... I have no idea how many great grays I saw and photographed... I easily shot over 700 photos that day... I think Ill go back up this week.. its really a once in a lifetime deal... the bioligist at Rice Lake national refuge (in the middle of owl central)... says that over 500 have been killed by cars... they fly low and slow over roads... they are frequently perched on fence posts or speed limit signs..... and yes... even in the snow..... they also told me that so far they have noted photographers/birders from 48 of the 50 states so far...... its an absolute owl zoo up there.......
bnsfjth wrote:
Absolutely amazing. Consider yourself very lucky! Sure he wasn't rabid?
I didn't see any foam at the mouth. He was actually a very friendly little guy. He wasn't nervous at all with my presence and looked at me with the same glaring inquisition. It seemed like we were observing each other...even though I drove 2 and a half hours to see him Well, I guess he flew 100s and 100s of miles...to see little vole
skybyrd wrote:
Aren't you glad you took time to enjoy the moment?!! Unbelievable. As always, am impressed with your photos. Makes you feel like you are right there with you.......
Thanks so much
Wow---Wow--Wow!! I'm am so jealous! You really did this big beautiful bird justice--I've only seen them from a distance in the greater Yosemite area, where they're very rare. What an amazing site!
btw--I don't think birds get rabies!! (I'd have to go back to my ornithology class to make sure, but that's what I'm remembering)
Wow, wow, just super photos...I have taken two trips in southern WI chasing Great Grays. One apparently had left, and the other got hit by a car (but it's recovering in rehab).
I am going to northern WI in a week...I might just have to run a few more hours and get some owl shots.
Fantastic experience,,,great images but what an experience that must have been for you...Glad to see you took advantage of the situation and enjoyed...
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