The Elusive Burrowing Owl (or how to torture a human)

[LazyPhotographer]

One of my favorite birds is the Burrowing Owl. They're an endangered bird, so it's pretty exciting to see that there's plenty around this year down by the Salton Sea. They're adorable and have loads of personality. They also are very skittish and like to hide from the camera. The little buggers are EXPERT on how to hide.

The real trick is getting good at spotting them. Once you find one, then it's up to you to perfect the art of sneaking up on it and focusing before they take off. It's a sport to me. A challenging, very hot sport! Here's a sample of how they torture me in the 100+ degree heat!

http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/albums/lazypics_owls/IT5G6036az_BurrowingOwl.jpg

http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/albums/lazypics_owls/IT5G4259az_BurrowingOwl.jpg

http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/albums/lazypics_owls/IMG_2989az_BurrowingOwl.jpg

But for every 20 skittish ones, there's a couple that don't seem to mind the attention. I know 3 different ones that let me get fairly close. "Guard Rail", "Post", and "Road Sign". Let's see if you can figure out why I named them that way. There will be a test later this week. ;)

"Guard Rail"

http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/albums/lazypics_owls/IT5G0964az_BurrowingOwl_001.jpg

"Road Sign"

http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/albums/lazypics_owls/BurrowingOwl_001.jpg

Canon 20D/1D Mark II, 100-400L IS

New pics on my website are found here: Newest Additions (http://www.onlinephotographers.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=lazypics_new)

[Maureen Souza]

Wow...love the pictures, they portray a good game of peek-a-boo! That last photo is amazing, you do such a terific job with the bird photos!

[Paul A]

Wow, great shots, I want to spend some at the Salton Sea but I think I'll wait until November.

[Bald Eagle]

Very impressive shots, torture to you, but, a pleasure for us to see. thanks for sharing them.

[AndreyD]

This is amazing! What a look! I like first shot most!

[Blackburnian]

Stunning!


Wish we had these owls around Ottawa....:cry:

Congrats!

[Tel]

Seems just like hunting, except with a camera instead of a rifle! The first, second and forth ones amuse me quite a bit, you can tell they dont like the camera!

[Andy_T]

I really like (whatever little you see of) the first one :lol:

Thanks for sharing.

Best regards,
Andy

[montreal]

I just love it! The fact that it's hiding like that really "humanises" the bird, which is good in my opinion because the viewers can identifie themselves with the bird.

[tupe]

Great set of captures, LP (or should I say, "near misses?" :) :) :)

[cfcRebel]

Nice captures Lazy! The hard work is paid off. That's a beautiful owl!

[ssim]

Great shots Lazy. I've yet to see one of these guys. Nicely done.

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gifhttp://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/41110933.jpghttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

[Ballen Photo]

EXCELLENT series Lazy. In the end, you got some very nice portraits of them. :D
-Bruce

[Warren Peace]

Love the last two shots.. There amazing.

[witchy]

The second last one is my favourite but I also like the last one, the tyre one and the eyes peeping at you in the first one! Great shots!

[robertwgross]

Good ones, especially the last one.

I have one whole encampment of them ten miles away, and another solo bird five miles away. The little solo bird stands guard on one wooden fence post, and if I get too close, he flies to a steel fence 50 yards away. If I get too close there, he flies back to the wooden fence post. I generally have to use 400-600mm focal length to reach him. They are cuties!

---Bob Gross---

[ghocking]

Great shots.

Don't you just love the 100-400 L IS.

[JMAS]

Amazing series!

The 1st and last two are the top ones for me.

[MazerRakhm]

Wow, fantastic shots!

[CyberDyneSystems]

I love this series,.. the "Guard rail" is the real clincher! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Gald you were finally able to get a nice close up too! ;)

[Scottes]

Nice shots, great series! The first one had me rolling...


How do you do this, PB? You *must* be wearing shoes/sneakers to get these... Is the Burrowing Owl really worth all this effort? (I would think so, but you are the master of efficient birding...)

[larlen]

Owl's of laughter Great Shots Love 2nd to last.

[nitsch]

Truly fantastic shots! What a cool little bird. :cool:

I love the first shot and "Guard Rail". :D

[LazyPhotographer]

Thanks everyone! Now that everything is all set-up, I can start with the portraits. ;-)

[stoneylonesome]

I love the series of shots you posted, but I have to admit the first one is just so funny in a cute sort of way, you can tell he's teasing you, and the last one is WOW! nice job.

[JK]

Great shots!


But trying to find that owl must be like trying to solve a "Where's Wally?" puzzle!:D