Short Eared Owl

[bolden]

The same two Short eared owls from last week were there again at Consumnes, but this time i had a much better lens, and it made a significant difference.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/bolden916/Photography/Wildlife/DSD_6706.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/bolden916/Photography/Wildlife/DSD_6721.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/bolden916/Photography/Wildlife/DSD_6749.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/bolden916/Photography/Wildlife/DSD_6762.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/bolden916/Photography/Wildlife/DSD_6763.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/bolden916/Photography/Wildlife/DSD_6831.jpg

And my personal favorite.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/bolden916/Photography/Wildlife/DSD_6867.jpg

[Steve Cali]

Bolden,

Love the owls!

Here's a Northern Harrier at 75% crop. My 2.8 70-200 VR is just a bit short for this type of photography, but it was a challenge to get as close as I did. Not very sharp but I really do not want to carry a tripod around but...I'll try a mono pod next...I just need to get one...

http://www.califlies.com/Northern_Harrier_Copy_1.jpg

Your focus (af-on) and shutter release button tips worked great on tracking flying birds, but as I said my lens is a bit short...Next time I'll put my 1.7 TC on a try it.

Thanks!

Steve Cali

[bolden]

Steve,

I am glad the tips have helped, and i have to say i have never been as close as you must have been to a northern harrier to get that shot. A northern harrier is one bird that i have been dying to get a good portait of while they are not flying, which does not happen too often.

[Steve Cali]

Bolden,

I have seen this guy the past three times out on the same perch. There is great cover that you can initially approch this area. After that it is a slow go letting him get use to you with ever couple of steps you take...then a couple more...and more...and more...well it was fun.

Let me know if you are ever in the Palo Alto area and I will take you there. Lots of Red shouldered hawks, Red Tails, White Tailed Kites, American Kestrels and sometimes Coopers...your lens would be fun out there.

Steve Cali

[Ed Wahl]

Ben, in a couple of months you can get all kinds of Harrier shots with that big nasty lens of yours. Nesting season is coming and they nest on the ground. You don't even need to search for them, when you're in the vicinity of a nesting pair they'll let you know. Be ready for close up action shots. Even though they're bluffing, you'll swear you're about to be scalped. Ed