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Cape Eagle Owl


Cape Eagle Owl
Photo Information
Copyright: Ingrid Shaul (ingridshaul) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 48 W: 8 N: 120] (335)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2003-09
Categories: Birds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-10-24 2:58
Viewed: 258
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
In September 2003 we visited the Birds of Prey - Rehabilitation Centre in Dullstroom

Some birds will remain there forever; because their wings are irreparably damaged (the majority hurt by power-lines). They are not in aviaries during the day but sit freely on tree-trunks.

Those - whose wings are on the mend - are being exercised i.e. first, practicing to fly/land and then catching prey. These training sessions are open to the public – in order to create income for the centre.

We attended a training session, and this beautiful - but still wobbly - owl could not make it back to the trainer and flopped to the ground adjacent to my low-level seat. The assistants sprinted towards me… (This owl approx 1/2 m tall, and I am only 1, 60 m standing up.)

Apparently, I have a soothing voice, and I always talk to all animals (frogs, birds, mammals to the great amusement of onlookers) in order to relax them, when I take photos. So, I started my usual low voice monologue - until the owl relaxed and showed me its beautiful face – then, it just waited to be picked up by the trainer.

It was quite an experience to be so close and my face being examined by this big Raptor.

CAPE EAGLE OWL - BUBO CAPENSIS is an uncommon resident in the Kruger Park. It is a large (48 – 55 cm) brownish owl with stocky proportions and easily confused with the spotted Eagle Owl – but differs in combination of larger size, orange yellow eyes and heavily blotched underparts with bold barring.

Pairs frequent valleys with cliffs or rocks or rock outcrops.

PHOTO
was taken on a very dull, drizzly, late afternoon. I tried to edit, improve the exposure of the ears - but gave up - I was "ruining" the face...
CeltickRanger, robindb, boreocypriensis, jmirah has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Silvio2006: Owlingridshaul 1 10-29 06:24
To boreocypriensis: common namesingridshaul 2 10-27 22:43
To jmirah: Owlsingridshaul 1 10-27 06:32
To boreocypriensis: Cape Eagle Owlingridshaul 1 10-27 03:09
To robindb: Cape Eagle Owlingridshaul 1 10-26 06:39
To CeltickRanger: Cape Eagle Owlingridshaul 1 10-26 04:18
To ferranjlloret: Cape Eagle Owlingridshaul 1 10-25 07:37
To gjoess: Cape Eagle Owlingridshaul 1 10-25 07:27
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Critiques [Translate]

Hallo Ingrid,
A precious bird of prey, has magical eyes. TFS.
Have a nice WE. Ferran.

Excelent owl shot. This one has a real sinister look on it.

hello Ingrid

an excellent portrait shot of this Eagle Owl, fine POV and framing
with leaving a free space at his left, fine focus with excellent
sharpness and dewtails of its plumage and eyes, TFS

Asbed

Hi Neighbor,

Good focus and feather detail. I like the light on the eyes making them a sharp focus point. The bird stands out well from the background.

Robin

Hi and Good Morning Ingrid,

Marvelous portrait capture of this beautiful eagle owl from frontal POV with wonderful DOF, neat details and fine composition.
TFS and have a nice new day!
Cheers,

Bayram
Ps. Sorry for delaying in commenting since i was verry bussied with educational (both diurnal and nocturnal) obligations yesterday!. i will reply you soon but i want to mentioned that my all shots from nature not zoo or national parks. As i mentioned you before i am professor in Zoology who study in nature permanently. Also i think you did not notice that i gave a link for more info on cate-eyed snake, forwarding to my initial shot. By the way, if you wish you could reach my official web site to obtain more info on me and my publications using the link in intro page of TN.

Hi Ingrid
A finely detailed and colorful capture of the wise old bird...Very well done...TFS
Jim

Ciao Ingrid, beautiful portrait with fantastic eyes, good natural colors, great details and splendid sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

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