Frost covered Barn OwlFrost covered Barn Owl in a freezing fog –  D200, f7.1, 1/125, ISO 320, +0.3 step EV, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited.

This was taken on an early December morning, there was heavy, dismal fog and at times a light snow was falling. The hoar frost was still clinging to the feathers and the facial disc of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba).

In processing the image I specifically left it with low light, low contrast and minimal saturation to convey the foggy mood that was present at the time the image was created. Over processing this image would have introduced noise at unacceptable levels and destroyed the mood the fog created. In most cases I don’t fight the light, I work with it.

The Barn Owls in northern Utah have to contend with low temps, snow, hoar frost and long winter nights. This makes it hard for them to survive through the winters at times because hunting in deep snow is a challenge for them.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Barn Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.