Barn Owl

[colincurry]

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to deliver a letter to a local farm. As it was then still sunny, I took my camera. There is a causeway leading from the farm to the river. As I cycled along, it got darker and darker and the wind really got up.

Nothing daunted, I decided to walk along the causeway which is bordered by a series of drains eventually leading to the river. Suddenly, a ghostly shape emerged from the drain and flew away from me down the causeway. I took several shots that turned out dark and awful despite my best efforts with PS.

Then the owl turned round and flew towards me along and over the ditch. I quickly managed to change the settings on the camera but did not have enough time to work out as fast a shutter speed as I would have liked. The owl carried on flying towards me until it veered off, disturbed by the sound of camera shutter. It was still early ( about 2.30) and I imagine that the owl came out at that time because of the dark conditions). These are the three pictures that I have kept.

I get a kick out of barn owls every time that I see one.









Please enjoy.

Colin

[Pops]

I think you did pretty well under the circumstances Colin.
I know we don't like to use it but do you reckon a quick flip onto auto might have helped?

[colincurry]

Hallo Pops

I have never considered the auto option - not from any delusions of grandeur.

This is something to think about. I will have to check what affect this would have on my usual camera settings such as wiping them.

Colin

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by colincurry

I get a kick out of barn owls every time that I see one.

Me too .... always have .... always will.

Well done Colin .... good photos in the circumstances and certainly a record of your encounter.

Richard

[buteo_buteo]

I think those photos are really good. It's great to see barn owls in the daytime too, isn't it?

[stephen p]

I love the last shot of him looking at you.

Well at least you now know where he is and can get yourself setup better for next time, and hopefully the weather and light is better

[helen253]

wonderful pictures!

[Brocker]

Nice pics Colin, bearing in mind he took took you by surprise. I love the second shot. It is very sharp and I like the way he is looking at the ground as if he is carrying on hunting and he is not at all bothered by your presence.

[Emma S]

What a wonderful sighting, and what a beautiful bird. Moments like that are truly special.

I really like the photos. I think we can get a bit hung up on trying to achieve a perfect shot. The pics to me capture the moment perfectly, and convey the excitement of a fleeting encounter with a wild and magical creature.

[colincurry]

Thank you for your kind words.

Pops mentioned using the auto option in a case like this - I still have to investigate this. Another possible option is the 'Sports' programme that combines maximum shutter speed with available light.

Colin