Barn Owl

[mymantra]

And how could I have forgotten this one ?

[Ashley beolens]

Wow

[IanF]

Wow ! indeed, a superb shot Paul. I've no idea how you managed to get that one.

[Nikon_Boy]

That is a great action shot!

[Andrew]

Bl**dy Hell, did it hit you a second later. Brilliant shot, never seen owt like it before.

[mymantra]

OK, now that I've got your attention ! Of course it was a "Cheat" 3:-)
I was at a presentation on raptors where a gentleman from the Montgomery, Alabama zoo brought several of their birds. The lighting was very dim. He walked to my side of the stage and held up this owl, who was a bit unruly, so that several of us could get a picture. Just as I pressed the shutter, the owl flew straight at me. if he had not been on a tether, I guess I would have been lunch! I was quite pleasantly surorised to find that the owl was in such good focus. Here's the original, before cloning out the background.

[IanF]

Nice one Paul. I had a fleeting suspicion it was a stuffed one suspended from wires, but it looked so alive. I thought then that you must have had some fancy set up that triggered a flash as the owl past an infra red beam.

NIcely presented though.

[steve_nova]

Still a great picture. I agree with Ian in thinking that the bird must have triggered a flash as it went past a sensor....until you enlightened us all.

Cheers.

[bcurrie]

Nice capture, regardless of being a "captured" bird.

[Gaye Horn]

Paul that is one really intense shot... wow!

[peter hayes]

I agree with all the comments. However it was achieved, it certainly captures the essence of the bird. Another great shot Paul.