This morning Ann and I made a quick trip out through Spring Creek Park. We chanced upon this juvenile Great Horned Owl in a tree. Ann’s sharp eye is what spotted it initially. Further along, and across creek, we spotted a Yellow-crowned Night Heron. I hope you enjoy the photos, and click on either one for an enlargement. The EXIF data is below each one.
Great Horned Owl
- Canon EOS 7D
- Canon 500mm IS telephoto lens with 1.4 teleconverter
- 1/2500 sec @ f6.3 – plus 1/3 EV adjustment
- ISO 3200
- Lens focal distance 700mm
- Shutter priority
- Partial metering
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
- Canon EOS 7D
- Canon 500mm IS telephoto lens with 1.4 teleconverter
- 1/2500 sec @ f5.6 – minus 1/3 EV adjustment
- ISO 640
- Lens focal distance 700mm
- Shutter priority
- Partial metering
Note: For both shots I hand-held the camera with the aid of my Puffin’ Pad platform resting on the window sill of my car. Also, to vote for one of my photographs in National Wildlife Magazine’s annual contest, click here People’s Choice .
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
I’m noticing that apparent eye-contact in your bird pictures adds an extra element to the experience of viewing them, as if the viewer has stepped in. For this reason the owl picture is particularly appealing to me although they are both very beautiful. The contrast of light and textures between the smooth plumage of the heron and the OOF jumble of foliage behind him works wonderfully.
Thanks, Cindy. That was fun photographing the owl. I took several images, of course, and I had difficulty deciding which one to post. In this shot, he actually was facing away from me, but he turned his head all the way around, as owls can. Then he just kept his big eyes on me.
both beautiful shots Bob!
Thanks a bunch, Sheila
great pictures….I’m sorry we weren’t birding together to see them.
Thanks, maybe we can get together soon. 🙂
I love them both as each bird is so very different..the owl is outstanding, but I love the starkness of the heron..great work as usual..I am hoping to start painting the heron next week..had some gallery orders to get out first..can’t hardly wait…
Thanks, Syl. The Yellow-crowned Night Heron is not one to be found here in great numbers. However, we saw two today, only about 75 yard apart. Good luck on your painting. 🙂
Really beautiful owl – as usual, your photos are awesome!! 🙂
Thanks, Shelly. Your compliments are giving me a swelled head. 🙂
Bob this is a stunning photo of the GHO Baby! One of my earliest memories is of my father coming into the house with an injured GHO adult on his arm. It raised its wings, took flight in the house and landed on the railing to the stairs. He found a vet that worked with birds and took it there for treatment and rehabilitation. They are so awesome! Thanks for the memory! ~ Lynda
Thanks, Lynda. I appreciate you. 🙂
That pad is working out well for you – those shots are incredibly sharp!! When do you hear any results from the contest??
Yes, I really like that pad when I don’t have time to set up the tripod. I think the contest results will come out in August. People can vote until July 14. Thanks for the comment, Holly. 🙂