Yes....More Owls

[ssim]

Went out to Ile Bizard today. I had just pulled up near one and it took off and hovered right above us but I was still digging the camera out of the car. Waited her out for awhile and she started to hunt again. The sun wasn't the greatest with having to shoot partially into it, though it did make for a nice effect coming through the wings in the flight shots. Even ran into some old fellow driving an Aztec out there.http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

http://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/41448330.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/41448331.jpg

Too bad I ended up clipping his wing in this one.
http://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/41448046.jpg

She missed whatever she was diving for on this one.
http://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/41448048.jpg

[IanD]

Hell, if there is some old fart driving an Aztek around Ile bizard, I'll have to get rid of mine.
Sweet images BTW.

[Mills]

It is amazing. The expressions on their faces. The eyes are something else. Great shots.

[PacAce]

It is amazing. The expressions on their faces. The eyes are something else. Great shots.
You mean that look of "Oh, no! Not these two clowns again?" You mean that look? :mrgreen:

BTW, Sheldon, great shots. You guys keep this up and we'll have to give you guys a doctorate in GGOlogy. :lol:
Heck, consider it done, already. :D

[TammieO]

Yup, still got the touch. Nice captures. I actually like the one where you shot partially into the sun. The sun through the wings is cool.

[Belmondo]

Sheldon...

You realize that before this is over with, nobody's going to speak to either you or that other guy (can't think of his name---he drives an Aztek).

[Maureen Souza]

We are all so envious of your owl shots and the opportunity to see them so close. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos.

[sparker1]

That is an amazing shot, Sheldon. The clipped wing actually contributes to an almost-3D effect. Wow!

[RJSorensen]

Your guys are the 'best.' I just love these shots . . . my day will come you know. I have ordered some Poutine to bait the local Great Horned Owls with. Should be here any day now . . . loll. I bow in your general direction.

[shniks]

All are great, but the 3rd one is simply stunning. As someone else said the clipped wing actually adds to the overall shot, and I love the lighting and the expression on the owl's face.

[Michaelmjc]

Absolutely gorgoeous shots.

Just reminds me, I went to my local camera store the other day and was talking to one of the guys who worked there. We got talking about owls somehow and then he whipped out these pictures he took last week. The best one has the owl coming down picking up a mouse, wings spread wide open. It was a amazing shot.

I'm not sure if you use mice, but its worth a try. Try and get the owl to come pick him up and take your shot.

[stoneylonesome]

Fantastic shots. You relieze that the 2 of you are going to have to join GGOA (Great Grey Owl Anonymous), when they fly back north. GGO withdrawal is going to be hell, but you can count on us for support. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[cmM]

I feel bad for these poor owls. If it's true a piece of your soul gets taken when you're photographed, these owls don't have much left :-P

j/k ssim, awesome shots!

[IanD]

Absolutely gorgoeous shots.

Just reminds me, I went to my local camera store the other day and was talking to one of the guys who worked there. We got talking about owls somehow and then he whipped out these pictures he took last week. The best one has the owl coming down picking up a mouse, wings spread wide open. It was a amazing shot.

I'm not sure if you use mice, but its worth a try. Try and get the owl to come pick him up and take your shot.
Mitch,
The practice of baiting owls with live bait, be it mice or any other rodent, is highly frowned upon. You have to remember that these owls come from an area where mankind has not imprinted on them and they must hunt and hunt hard to survive. They very quickly adapt to being fed by man and this puts them in a lot of danger. Baiting, according to the Fish and Game Department is not illegal. However the release of live animals for the purpose attracting game is very illegal and can carry a stiff penalty.
When we first discovered that folks were buying pet store mice to try and attract the owls, we contacted several of the larger pet shops and they imeadiately stopped selling mice to anyone they did not know. As long as the owls are in the Montreal area, they will continue to do so.
Remember, bait is for fish, not owls.

[ssim]

To add to what Ian has said, neither of us have resorted to using bait to attain our shots.

[VFTT]

Great shots! If you crop the photo to clip the right wing as well it almost gives you a feeling of "wow, this bird is too big to fit in the picture" rather than a "oops". All great work!

- darren

[transcend]

To add to what Ian has said, neither of us have resorted to using bait to attain our shots.

I understood that Ian WAS the bait?

[Belmondo]

I understood that Ian WAS the bait?

This is not a technically accurate statement. Ian blinds the poor birds with the shiny spot that normally resides under his cap.

He sneaks up on the hapless creature, pulls off his hat, and the animal is instantly rendered blind. While the bird is disoriented, Ian snaps away.

[IanD]

I understood that Ian WAS the bait?
I get no respect:o:o:o:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):): ):):)

[transcend]

I get no respect:o:o:o:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):): ):):)

Don't worry, I'm smaller then you. Next time I am sure they will probably go after me instead (if it ever stops raining). I will have to wear a weight belt so that they don't carry me off.

[tommykjensen]

How did I miss seeing these?

Fantastic photos.

[DavidEB]

am in awe of your owls. awl of them.

truly excellent photos. congratulations.

[Toogy]

What lens was used for those shots?

[ssim]

What lens was used for those shots?

These were all taken on the Canon 1DMKII with the 300 f2.8 L IS. It is a heavy lens but probably one of the sharpest in Canon's lineup.

[Fer]

Beautiful Images.