Does that horseshoe hurt? (7 images)

[IanD]

OK, so I know that there is at least one guy that is going to be a little upset that I decided to head over to Ile Bizard and check out the Great Grey Owls this morning. Some folks have to be in the office early, my office is in the Az and I was there really early :) :)
Took a little walk down a ski-doo trail and saw one GGO quite a distance away. Watched to see if he would come closer but nope, he was firmly planted in his tree. Headed back to the truck, err, office, and saw this guy hanging out in a tree right behind the Az. Really poor position, the sun was almost behind him and I couldn't change position.
http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871335.jpg

As I was watching and taking a couple of frames, this owl decided that I looked like breakfast and launched right towards me, again!
http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871338.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871339.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871345.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871349.jpg

He literally landed 3 feet above my head and sat there looking at me trying to decide if I was food, a mate, an idiot or a fool.
While he was making up his mind I asked him to stay put while I went back to the Az and changed lenses since the 400 f/5.6 doesn't focus worth poop (Scott techie term) at 3 feet. Walked over to the truck, put on the 70-200 f/2.8 and 1.4 TC and wandered back over to his tree.

Say Cheese!

http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871354.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871379.jpg

Yup Sheldon, the horseshoe does hurt :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[VesselinG]

WOW!

I think these are the best owl photos ive seen here...

[Scottes]

#3 is amazing!

[PacAce]

Great shots, Ian, as usual!

BTW, take a look at the backgrounds on the 1st couple of pictures. They have that "frozen" look to them. Do you know why that is? Interesting effect, though.

I'm still trying to figure out the "horseshoe" reference. :confused:

[striker]

Perhaps some of the best photos I've seen on this board. Just awesome!

Reminds me of this months National Geographic

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0502/feature4/index.html

[MegaTrixel]

OUTSTANDING! I'm so impressed!

[HJMinard]

Wow, nice shots Ian!

[Andy_T]

Incredible shots! :shock:

Lucky for you he decided you are no food :lol:

Best regards,
Andy

[ssim]

I really hate you. Well almost. Now for everyone else, Ian phones me at work to tell me where he is (some friend huh). The owls are everywhere, I wish him luck (well at least that is what I said). Low and behold and hour or so later my phone rings again and guess who. He belittles me with the story of how the owls are coming right at him (yes again....have you considered showering). :D :p :D :p


Leo - when someone is exceptionally lucky here we say they have horseshoes up their...... well you know. Hence the pain that Ian is feeling now.


Yes, Ian, they are awesome shots. My only wish is that I could have been out there this morning too.:cry: :cry: :cry:

[tommykjensen]

Wow !

[Scottes]

My only wish is that I could have been out there this morning too.
Maybe your horseshoe fell out? Just give a good firm push...

[RJSorensen]

Very . . . very nice work Ian . . . I bow in your general direction.

[pcasciola]

Ian, where do you buy your Great Grey Owl scent?

Or, maybe you should bottle up your own scent and sell it as Great Grey Owl attractant.

You definitely have the proof that it works. TWICE!!!

Awesome shots once again.

[stoneylonesome]

WOW! Those are just fantastic Ian. Lets see IDH most now stand for Ian D. HOOT :lol: :lol: :lol: or in native american "little owl" :mrgreen: :mrgreen: Bet if you held a vole in your mouth you could get one to kiss you. :confused: :lol: :lol:

[JMAS]

Ian,
#3 should be considered photo of the month or something like that.
Awesome series!!

[pdrow]

Those are wonderful!

[IanD]

WOW! Those are just fantastic Ian. Lets see IDH most now stand for Ian D. HOOT :lol: :lol: :lol: or in native american "little owl" :mrgreen: :mrgreen: Bet if you held a vole in your mouth you could get one to kiss you. :confused: :lol: :lol:
Ohhhh...vole in mouth.....be right back.............................................. . :) :) :)

[IanD]

Ian, where do you buy your Great Grey Owl scent?

Or, maybe you should bottle up your own scent and sell it as Great Grey Owl attractant.

You definitely have the proof that it works. TWICE!!!

Awesome shots once again.
Phil,
I use a horseshoe......... :)

[PacAce]

Ian, where do you buy your Great Grey Owl scent?

Or, maybe you should bottle up your own scent and sell it as Great Grey Owl attractant.

You definitely have the proof that it works. TWICE!!!

Awesome shots once again.
Trust me, you don't want to be anywhere near where he is when he uses his scent! :mrgreen: :lol: :mrgreen:
Even the owls avoid him like the plague when they go in for the kill and suddenly realize it's not a vole they're smelling. LOL :lol:

[Mazza]

Thay are FANTASTIC photos!!!!!! I love #3.

[ssim]

Trust me, you don't want to be anywhere near where he is when he uses his scent! :mrgreen: :lol: :mrgreen:
Even the owls avoid him like the plague when they go in for the kill and suddenly realize it's not a vole they're smelling. LOL :lol:

This is usually shortly after a healthy feeding of poutine:p :rolleyes: :D

[IanD]

Trust me, you don't want to be anywhere near where he is when he uses his scent! :mrgreen: :lol: :mrgreen:
Even the owls avoid him like the plague when they go in for the kill and suddenly realize it's not a vole they're smelling. LOL :lol:
At least I don't ring bells:):):):):)

[thomascanty]

Excellent shots! Congrats, again!

[zach]

Those are almost creepy, but very worthy of praise! I would love to have owl like there here in SoCalifornia.

[marie]

http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871349.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/giant001/image/39871354.jpg



http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif

wow

breathless

absolutely

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif
it's not even the same owl story http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif

congratulations Ian
they are wonderful pictures

you'll sleep well tonight http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif

(better then that owl)



http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif

[sparker1]

As everyone else, I am awestruck by this magnificent series. We are in the presence of greatness.

[Mills]

May have been tough conditions but you nailed the third one and the last too.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Holy smokes! Where have I been!

That guy was buzzing you man! :)

Amazing! just amazing!

[Airedale1]

They are just amazing. I love number 2 and 3. They remind me of the time my friend Garry and I were at the Belle Isle Marsh Bird Sanctuary in the Beachmont section of Revere, MA. We had just climbed to the top of a three story observation tower which affords photograpers and bird watchers a 360 degree view. With our cameras still in their bags, we looked down at the ground and saw an adult Snow Owl skimming the ground beneath the Tower, just inches off the ground.

Just as he reached the Tower he pulled up sharply, presumably to perch on the railing. He pulled up less than 3 feet from our astonished faces and then surprised as we were, he changed course to perch about 50 yards away on the tip top of a sapling which didn't even waver when he landed.

It was the worst missed photo opp I have ever had in my life and I've had quite a few. It was also a wonderful sight that I will never forget. Sorry for being so long winded, but I just had to confess.

[flyfisher]

These belong in a magazine. Great job capturing them

[TammieO]

Maybe GGO was attracted to the poutine on his breath. Great shots of him flying toward you. Post more...I almost have hubby convinced a 500mm lens is a must have for me (I showed him the pictures, but didn't tell him what lenses you used). LOL!

[Fredinpa]

Don't back down I think he likes you,Great captures!

[LazyPhotographer]

Awesome shots!

[Michaelmjc]

Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Great shots.

Mike

[swoop1156]

Man, I never get the chance to get amazing pictures like that! Truly fantastic!

[PhotosGuy]

Outstanding shots again, Ian!

[booggerg]

That close up scared the hell out of me!

[Fer]

WOW I am speechless!