Burrowing Owl juvenile taking a dive – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
When I looked at this Burrowing Owl image on my monitor I had to chuckle because in a strange way it reminded me of myself when I first dove off of a 10 meter platform and how my toes were the last to let go. There is that moment when you just have to take the leap.
In a split second I caught the moment in time just before the Burrowing Owl juvenile spread its wings and its talons let go of the barbed wire as it dove towards the burrow below. It might be the look of concentration of this owl that made me chuckle by realizing that I probably had that same look just before leaving that platform 33 feet above the water.
Life is good.
Mia
Awesome shot Mia. Love the look of determination on it’s face. You’d think it was looking down into the Grand Canyon as it clings to the barbed wire. Your having far too much fun out in the field. Yes, I’m jealous.
HI! Oh yes I remember you diving off that high board many, many times! Also you were so great they wanted you to train for the Jr. swim team!
have a great day!
Great capture Mia. I too love your blog and wonderful images. Nice break in the heat.
Amazing.
And in a similar position my wingless self would be doomed to a face plant after that dive.
Love the image, love your perspective. Thank you.
I love that intense look! It looks like the owl got the target:)
Such concentration!
Good morning Mia. I have been following your blog, and your amazingly beautiful images ever since a pro photographer friend of mine told me about your blog, and Ron’s. I see that you use Nikon, as I do also. I switched to digital back in December of 2004. I switched from Pentax to Nikon back in 1965 when one of the Pentax bodies I was using developed shutter problems while on a research expedition into the interior of Muir Inlet, Glacier Bay, in Alaska.
I see that you used to use a Nikon D200 while you were in Florida, and you got some really great shots with that body. I complement you on keeping the ISO setting below 400. I’ve found with mine that even at ISO 400 I get less image quality than if I drop below 400. When you upgraded to the D810, and the Nikon 500mm your images really improved in overall quality, and each image is super sharp, with great color, and composition. Your post processing is “spot on.” Well done Mia, well done. You, and Ron must have a ball sharing “picture taking experiences.” Taking pictures of wildlife is beyond fun, but it can be even more fun when the experience is shared with a good friend, with similar passions. You are both blessed in this regard. I fear that I don’t comment on each of your images as they are posted, but I can tell you that I have not missed a day of viewing your great images since I became aware of your blog several months ago. You keep me inspired to get out, and take more images. Thank you Mia (oops, I almost misspelled your name. My daughters name is also Maia, she just spells it differently) for making the effort, and taking the time to share with all of us your incredible images. I can tell you “love your work,” and I hope to continue to see more of it in the future. Take care Mia, be safe, and stay well… ;-)))