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Great Grey - Baited
Great Grey - Baited
Enlightened


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2013-02 (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Nikon D90
Lens: Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR
Location: Ottawa
Date: Feb 13, 2013
Aperture: F5.6
ISO: 400
Shutter: 1/2000
Date Uploaded: Feb 27, 2013

 WOW! I am so excited...and so stressed from the validation request! This owl image is a new pb for me and it's the first time I've finished with an HM.

As for the picture there has been 4 great grey owls in the Ottawa area since December. I hiked out to see them on three different occasions. The 1st time it was -29C and I couldn't find them anywhere, the 2nd time I saw one flying back to the forest after it was baited. I'd never heard about baiting before this. The owl never reappeared and at a milder -20C I didn't stay out to long! On my 3rd trip, when I took this picture, I saw 2 of the owls. There were 15-20 birders and photographers there and someone put out a mouse on the branch. It didn't take long for her to fly out after the mouse and the moment was amazing.

I realize that baiting is a widely debated topic and I don't know where I stand on the issue. But I do know I wasn't going to miss taking the pictures of theses guys. It is a rare occurrence for them to be in our area. They only arrive here if the food supply is low for them in the north. This may happen every 5 to 10 years.

Now to the OMG! Thank you for all of the comments and votes on my image during voting. This was a long week but a great one for me! I can't believe this finish!

THANK YOU!

Statistics
Place: 5 out of 205
Avg (all users): 6.7379
Avg (commenters): 8.2667
Avg (participants): 6.7432
Avg (non-participants): 6.7241
Views since voting: 1614
Views during voting: 220
Votes: 103
Comments: 23
Favorites: 3 (view)

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AuthorThread
 03/09/2013 06:13:16 AM
Congrats on the great finish and your PB.
Baited or not you nailed it, it looks 3D.
Amazing shot.

Message edited by author 2013-03-09 06:16:16.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/08/2013 06:57:15 PM
Woohoo, way to go Tracey! I guessed this one had to be yours, and so glad it finished and did so well for you with a new PB and HM! Huge congrats.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/08/2013 10:33:51 AM
Love the asymmetry of the wings here. Congrats on PB/HM!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/08/2013 10:14:54 AM
Fantastic photo, many congratulations! I just bought this same lens :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/08/2013 09:56:10 AM
A great capture, one of my 10's, and I am so happy for you for the BP and fine finish. Frankly, you deserve first for getting out in those temperatures not just once but three times for the chance at this shot LOL. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/08/2013 02:05:22 AM
I honestly missed the "baited" part and whilst I agree it's contentious, like baiting Bald Eagles with dead fish in dams the photography here is superb.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/08/2013 01:32:25 AM
I see the owls ruled this challenge. Congrats on the HM
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
03/07/2013 10:38:52 PM
Nice detail.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/07/2013 09:43:44 PM
He's probably not all that unhappy to be baited, but the rodent reminds me of someone's pet :-( Great shot, though.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/07/2013 01:35:18 AM
Wow! Beautiful capture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/05/2013 09:11:35 PM
Poor mouse. Amazing creature, the owl.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/05/2013 08:51:41 PM
Tack sharp, a great pose, and piercing eyes.
Just perfect. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/05/2013 04:20:39 PM
I would hazard a guess this is a Ryan Magnumphotography shot but could easily be Enlightened. The intensity of this Owl species eyes is always a drawcard and it was indeed the first thing I noticed, despite the action of the wings and the landing, and then, bam, the mouse opened up a new dimension to the shot. Superb. What on earth a mouse is doing in a dead branch is beyond me, but I understand the skill needed to capture this and get it in focus and keep the bird un-cropped. VWD and will no doubt be Top 10 and possibly Top 3. This is my only 10 of the challenge despite stiff competition but I am biased toward BiF.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/04/2013 10:53:56 PM
One of my 10's - fantastic focus - the gaze is riveting - love the slight motion blur on the wings. And the woods in winter background is wonderful. Voted earlier.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/04/2013 09:10:32 PM
There is a preponderance of owls in this challenge!!!! They're all wonderful
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/04/2013 03:41:15 PM
Very nice catch. Seems like I just saw this same owl.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/04/2013 11:06:24 AM
Great moment!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/03/2013 02:44:34 PM
Magnificent! I hope the voters reward you forthis most difficult shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/03/2013 02:19:07 PM
Baiting birds is a very controversial issue, that I'm not sure should be allowed, but it's a great shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/03/2013 01:49:46 AM
Great capture, look at those eyes, cool! 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/02/2013 03:13:11 PM
Great Gray Owl, Strix nebulosa. One of the most elusive birds, but they do hunt during the day because of their Northern woods habitat. Alas, this owl doesn't come as far south as Colorado, so I probably won't get to see one. Good environmental shot. I like the detail and sharpness, as well as the asymmetrical composition. Good action capture. (Thanks for revealing the circumstances of the image capture.) 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/01/2013 11:33:06 PM
Nailed this shot, fantastic!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/01/2013 12:43:35 AM
great capture !!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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