Thursday, December 22, 2011

Snowy Owl, Extreme NW Macon County IL

While waiting for things to open on Thursday morning, I took a ride out into the country. Not expecting to see much for even the heavy frost at ground level wasn't very interesting, upon crossing a small bridge I spooked a Snowy Owl at rest. It flew out and landed in a field too far for me to estimate with accuracy. Pulling over and managing to walk about 15 yards away from my vehicle so to be closer to it, I am very pleased with this new opportunity despite the distance. Had I not kept an eye on it as it flew, I could have easily lost sight for it blended in exceptionally well with the landscape. I was located about 1000 feet inside the Macon County line where it meets Logan and Dewitt.





To give an idea of just how far away it was, the inset on this is full 300mm at 100% and still very small. My saving grace for being able to curtail shake was the use of a cable release.




Other shots from the morning.


3 comments:

Suz said...

Oh Paul, this was exciting!
I have never seen one....looks like it would be hard to spot one anywhere....great job...thank you for being ready all the time...
I hope you have a good Christmas with Ava...and may the new year be a great one for you

Mak Porter said...

That is really cool- not only capturing the owl in the field but has it was taking off!

Dann Cianca said...

Fantastic, Paul... simply fantastic.