EarthShots.org Photo of the Day Contest

Thursday, 7th July 2011

Immature Little Owl

by Will Nicholls

This was an amazing evening! I was sitting in the hide for the first time at the site, and had already seen signs of droppings on my perch that I had set up etc. Within an hour and a half of waiting, I looked up and saw a young one sitting on the top of a barn wall stretching its neck. A little later and I heard a screech to my right. Looking round, I saw another (mature) little owl swoop into the tree just a few feet from my head. Then it vanished, and a few minutes later I looked to the left to see the owl sitting a few feet from my hide windowm on the same gnarled branch that is in this photo, just staring at me. Then craning round even further I saw this immature owl sitting even closer to me! It then flew at the adult owl and forced it off the perch. I then took this shot! It was an amazing evening and just great to watch. Anyway, I'll be back there most days now!

Equipment: Nikon D700, Nikon 200-400mm f/4G VR II

Will Nicholls

I am 16 years old, and a self-taught wildlife photographer. I have been taking photographs since September 2007 and I love capturing precious moments in nature. I'm an aspiring broadcasting naturalist and hope to study zoology at university.

Website: www.willnicholls.co.uk

Immature Little Owl by Will Nicholls was photo of the day on Thursday, 7th July 2011. It is tagged Owls. You can leave a comment below.

32 Comments

Tim Andes

7th July 2011 at 2:08 am

This is a fantastic capture for a photographer of any age. Wonderful lighting, composition.. and a really cute owl too haha. Keep chasing your passions!

Linda K.

7th July 2011 at 2:09 am

Wonderful shot Will! Owls are my personal favorite! I wish you all the best in your career and your future.

Kymie

7th July 2011 at 2:17 am

That really is fabulous, the light and DOF are perfect!

Bill Kenny

7th July 2011 at 3:03 am

Superlative photo-you have a wonderful eye and have captured a gorgeous image!

Gina

7th July 2011 at 3:54 am

Beautiful! The little guy seems to be studying you quite intently!

Balan Vinod

7th July 2011 at 6:43 am

Will …i’ve always wanted to do owl images, and keep looking at owl images where ever I see them. For me this is one of the best owl images ive come across till date. Well and love the space you have given in the left of the frame.

Flame

7th July 2011 at 8:42 am

Beautiful!!!!
Congratulation, it’s a really great shot!

Neil

7th July 2011 at 8:46 am

Nice one will!!

Alex Sharp

7th July 2011 at 10:57 am

stunning shot, well done

Meredith Images

7th July 2011 at 11:13 am

Perfect! Great pose, lighting, background – you got it all! Keep up the great work!

Wanda Krack

7th July 2011 at 11:39 am

Good for you! Great capture. You’re lucky to have owls within your shooting range! They’re really skiddish in my part of the world.

Jo-annvanderburg

7th July 2011 at 12:31 pm

A great shot, well done. owls are so interesting, again a great shot,

Pat

7th July 2011 at 12:32 pm

Will! you made a beautiful shot! congratulations. you’ve got a great future ahead!

Helen Hart

7th July 2011 at 1:21 pm

What a delightful experience, I’m so envious. And love the way he/she is looking at you!

Rajib Singha

7th July 2011 at 2:19 pm

Good shot!

Bill Bentley

7th July 2011 at 3:56 pm

Great capture Will. I like the way the owl is framed by the branches. And the backlighting worked out very nice to highlight the edges of the feathers. Good luck in your pursuits.

Kimberly Gould

7th July 2011 at 5:13 pm

What an awesome story! How exciting for you to get such a great shot. I think he likes getting his picture taken. LOL Great job!

Lisa

7th July 2011 at 5:48 pm

Will, what a gorgeous shot! You are an amazing photographer at 16 – can’t wait to see what you do as you get older! Congrats! This is a wonderful shot!