I searched Lightroom for one of my five star images and couldn’t resist sharing this magnificent Barn Owl.
1/1250, f/7.0, ISO 800
Canon 5DIII, Canon 200-400 L IS USM EXT
This week I’ve been busily working on my presentation for the Birdlife Australia Photography Group conference in the Gold Coast. I was supposed to be there right now – enjoying the company of kindred spirits, listening to presentations and going on lovely long bird walks – but instead I managed to catch some kind of bug that left me feeling too rotten to pack the car let alone drive for two days. Thanks to technology I’ll still be able to make my presentation and will hopefully be able to watch some of the others too.
In the meantime what better inspiration could there be than a wise owl. Barn Owls are seriously awesome birds. There is something special about their heart-shaped facial discs, and those forward-facing eyes seem simultaneously intimidating and wise. I find myself getting quite mesmerised by their beautiful markings.
Barn Owls live across the planet, preferring grassy plains and farmland where they can find their fill of small mammals. They forage by silently flying over grasses searching for prey or by perching and gliding. When I’ve seen them at night they look stunningly ethereal but their call is a raspy screech that gives me quite a fright.
Happy birding, Kim
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This sure looks like a Wise Old Owl to me and it’s looking at me so intensely I’d better behave myself or else! Beautiful photo Kim
Oh yes, I see what you mean!
Entranced – thank you again Kim.
Hope you are feeling better now – how disappointing for you not to be able to be there in person!
I am definitely on the mend Fiona, thank you. My dogs will be rapt when they start getting walks again.
Stunning bird and pic Kim. So sorry to hear you are unwell and missing the Conference and yes one of the times when technology is supportive. Very best wishes for your improving health, take it easy 🙏🏻
Thanks so much Alison. I’m feeling less exhausted which is awesome, I’m usually racing around all day every day so the timing of this was a real shame. I saw some pretty sweet birding sights today, hopefully there’ll be something to share for next week, some photographs are loading right now 🙂
He is just beautiful. Weirdly the beak area somehow always looks like a limp finger but what a stunning creature and amazing photograph, thanks so much for sharing. I absolutely agree with the delicate embroidery comment. Trust you have a speedy recovery and the conference goes well.
That is such a funny observation about its beak! I had to have another look at it to work out what you meant, so imaginative! Thanks heaps Syndy, much appreciated
I hope you get over your bug quickly and that you and others enjoy your presentation.
And thank you for this majestic marvel.
Thank you EC. I just tried to think of other alliterative phrases to go with ‘majestic marvel’ but it must be a bit early in the morning for creativity!
A stunning bird! Beautiful pic. Good luck with your presentation and hopefully you’re all better soon!
Thanks heaps Alyssa!
What a stunning shot of such a beautiful Owl, Kim! I always think they look as though someone has done embroidery on their feathers. They are so gorgeous.
So sorry to hear that you’ve come down sick and unable to make it to the conference. It sounds like it would have been fun. Thanks to modern technology, you won’t be totally missing out.
Take care and wishing you a speedy recovery,
Marg xx
‘Embroidery on their feathers’ – what a neat thought! Which makes me wonder whether you can do fine needlework, I certainly can’t. Thanks for your kind wishes, they’re much appreciated xo