I have been noticing every evening that the sunsets are just beautiful, but I have not had the chance to try to capture them. As I mentioned before, I have also been trying to get a good shot of the Northern Harrier.
I thought I would kill two birds with one stone this evening...I waited and headed out there soon as the football game was over. Still light enough till I should have plenty of light to capture a hawk, but late enough till I should be out there when the sunset came.
I seen hawks, but I could not get close enough to get a good capture. The first time I was out there and saw them, they did not seem to mind the vehicle and it didn't seem to bother them if I pulled to the side of the road and got out. Now, they must feel my desperation and will not stick around at all.
At first I became totally occupied with watching the geese...just unbelievable numbers. I took a lot of pictures but nothing close up. I went on and left there to run on over into Illinois to check out some of the cornfields. I was hoping they would be close to the road in them, but did not see a one in the normal place I see them. So, I turned back around and headed for the strip pit area again.
I made a new discovery--owls! Numbers of them! I bet I saw at least 8 or 10 of them, but I really think there were more. I think from the one of the books one of my daughters got me that it is a Short-eared Owl. And from the description of its flight and living area, it all points to that being what it is. Not to mention the yellow eyes.
These were take really late in the evening. I had the ISO set at 1600, and I had trouble and could not seem to get them in focus. I have probably two dozen shots with these being the best. I seen more owls this one time than I have seen in my entire 53 years!
I leave you with one that was taken really late--I used fill-flash to lighten it and hope I got it light enough for you to see.
Please enlarge these for better viewing!
ReplyDeleteOh my. I wish I could get some good owl photos. I only see Screech Owls here. I hear others but can never find them in the trees they hide in during the day.
ReplyDeleteRose, you did great for your first attempt at capturing the owls. And you got the sunset, too. I would say you had a successful trip.
ReplyDeleteWow Rose!!!! Not only did you see some owls, but you also saw a gorgeous sunset.
ReplyDeleteWe're headed to Hendersonville, TN to check on George's elderly parents today. Have a great day.
Hugs,
Betsy
Wow...what wonderful owl shots! I'm envious! Maybe I should try Blue Grass at sunset. We don't usually go that late. Beautiful shots. He looks like he is wearing a mask..what a strange face.
ReplyDeleteThe owl is absolutely awesome. Would love to see one in it's own environment.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a fine job of capturing these birds! I really like the twilight effect. That last owl did a fine pose for you too. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThose are grat shots! I love all the owls, but a Short-eared is a favorite (so is the big Great Gray) That top shot, just the split-secod before lift off, is spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your adventures. Good work, Rose! You GOT it!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to capture an owl with my camera so you are way ahead of me. ;-)
WoW! The last one really struck a pose for you and the different colors of sunsets are very pretty!!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I don't think I've ever seen an owl in the wild...much less capture it on camera! Fantastic Rose!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots from the strip pits. Looks like a great place to go with the camera.
ReplyDelete