Payoff Finally After 2-1/2 Years

[Loupey]

Barred owls are not exactly uncommon in central Ohio (I hear them quite often) but I had spent the last two and a half years searching for them.

I've only seen two mating pairs in that time and both were in less than ideal photo situations. So I finally found one this weekend in the early morning light. My heart skipped several beats I think

These are uncropped images taken with the 500mm and 50D combo. Finally seeing one out in the open and at close range, I was quite shocked at how large it was when it flew away from me (twice). Had it flew in my direction, I probably would have screamed like a girl.

[SARtech]

WhooooHOOOO! Great shots. Congrats! That is exciting indeed. I've never seen an owl in the wild. So they come out in the daytime sometimes? I'll have to keep an eye out.

[Loupey]

Thank you, Kristine.

The barred owl can be active day or night. Supposed to at least - based on how few I've seen perhaps not

Now that I got the formalities out of the way, I need to find one doing something.

[Singletracklovr]

Wow what a cool looking owl. Congrats on your quest.
Maybe there's a nest near by. Feeding time would be a neat shot.

[Loupey]

Bob - thanks for the comments. Baby with mom & dad would definitely be terrific. I'll hunt around the area to see if I can find it.

[Martin Brazil]

Great result Loupey, congratulations on some splendid shots too. It really is a beautiful owl.

[scott-devon]

Great shots Loupey, I've been watching for owls every time I'm out with no luck so far.

[Coastal Flyer]

Congratulations, Loupey. What patience you have, the reward is obvious. Very nice.

David

[Ultra Magnus]

Wow. Impressive. You nailed the shots too.

What 500mm lens were you using? Maybe next time you could trim some of those twigs to tidy up your foreground before shooting.

BM

[Eric D]

Glad to see you capture A life bird for you!! Great photos!!!

[Loupey]

Thanks, guys, for the comments!

Coastal Flyer - I don't know if I'd call it "patience" as I go out into the field with all sorts of lists in my head. I more of an "opportunist"

bmadau - mine is the EF 500mm f/4L IS. An awesome piece of glass.

[A.M.D.A.]

Congrats!

Nice shots too.

[lionman]

wow beautifell images of a magnifecent creture thank you for taking the time and patience after all these years to capture this image it looks awsome