Preditorial Pursuit by Stephen Oachs

Wednesday, 3rd February 2010

Preditorial Pursuit

by Stephen Oachs

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a magnificent night predator whose “hooting” calls have sent shivers down the spines of many. Easily identified by their distinctive horn-like feathered tufts, called plumicorns, these owls are known to inhabit from the Arctic to South America. The pale gray variety are found in Canada.
This capture was taken in southern Ontario; a rare shot of this nighttime hunter still in predatory pursuit just as the day was beginning. Completely unaffected by the subzero temperature, he effortlessly pursued his target. With devastating strength, he could easily carry off prey several times his own weight. This morning, however, he returned to his nest empty-taloned.

Equipment: Canon 1D Mark III

Stephen Oachs

Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.
Completely self-taught, Stephen’s unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today’s finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.
Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy recieve hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.

www.ApertureAcademy.com

20 Comments

Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:52 am
You have an amazing ability to be in the right place at the right time to get astounding photos! Great Horned Owls are magnificent birds with huge talons, strong crushing beaks and superb hunting skills. Even if he missed this time, this bird seems to be well-fed and in the prime of his life!
I always love your shots, Stephen!
mike Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:55 am
What a great picture of him. I like his face expression
Anurag Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:56 am
Great action shot. The red is just in the right place, in the right amount to focus the attention on the bird. And those eyes are emitting enough fire to melt all the ice around.
Photos by Nik Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:26 am
What a impressive capture, the decisive moment.
Alessandro Zocchi Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:48 am
Amazing shot indeed, in every aspect !
Shirley Fendley Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:14 am
beautiful pictures; thanks so much..
Nico De Pasquale Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:33 am
such amazing shot
fantastic capture!
Pauline Jones Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:30 am
This is a great shot; must have taken hours or even days to capture.
Hamde Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:38 am
After such a stunning shot and great description, the spelling “preditorial” was rather, er, inglourious.
Tina Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:41 am
An incredible capture in every way!
Jeannie Armstrong Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:27 am
If someone was to say the word ‘photographer’ I’d reply with the words “Stephen Oachs”
JimAtkin Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:57 am
Enough said by the other Commentators. I can not add to them. Thank you Stephen.
Grete Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Amazing shot, really his eyes gives us a little scary! Excellently captured. Congrats and Greetings
Stephen Oachs Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Thank you everyone for your kind words!

@Hamde — we actually choose to use that word “preditorial” even through it’s not technically a word. Our research found many birding websites using it so we went with it in the name or art
planet lover Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Magnificent bird, magnificent shot. When I see your name in the title I know I am in for a treat and I’m never disappointed. Congratulations!
renee Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Wow! Such a wonderful shot, very nice! thanks for sharing.
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:00 pm
You may get the awards, but your fans reap the rewards of your talent. Thank you Stephen
paul whitton Says:
February 4th, 2010 at 2:19 am
great balance of color, great action shot!
Syed Hamde Ali Says:
February 4th, 2010 at 8:53 am
I had noted that predator was correctly spelled throughout and thought it was just a slip, not intentional. Couldn’t resist the “inglourious” remark! Sorry.
su Says:
February 17th, 2010 at 11:10 am
What a treat it is when your name is on POTD, as always a great shot. Congrats.