Another Bird - Long Eared Owl

Hello again all. Following the recent thread of Kestrel pics I posted, I have now been through a load of pics I took of a splendid Long Eared Owl. He seemed to have a strange condition in his right eye (do such owls have a third eyelid or similar?) - didn't seem to bother him but you can just about see it in these pics.

The set-up was the same as with the Kestrel - I think these were all taken with the k5 + Sigma 100-300 f4, at the same falconry centre (or actually in a spot of woodland just outside):

1. Posing:



2. Close-up (see what I mentioned earlier at the top of his right eye):



3. An inquisitive look:



4. Bluff Profile:



5. Thought I'd try a quick B/W conversion:



6. and a spot of gurning to round off (he was a bit of a gurner in fairness):



As usual, there are a stack more on flickr, and any C&C welcome. I hope you enjoy these - there are (hopefully) plenty more to come.

Regards

Another Great set Matt, The detail in the B/W shot is superb, thanks for sharing these with us.

A superb set of quality shots there, lovely contrast and color to these, have yet to use my Siggy 100-300 F4 on wildlife, hoping they are as nice as yours when I do.

Nice shots - number 1 stands out for me but it's a close run thing

Great shots Matt

Marvellous pictures Matt, the black and white is just magnificent and is my favourite by some distance. I must make an effort to go to a falconry / birds of prey centre.

Regards
David

As has been said Mat, lovely set. I remember your first set of B&W birds you shared, and was surprised at how well they worked with the B&W emphasising textures. Same applies here.

Thanks everyone. I was determined that my first pass through my pics from the falconry centre would all be colour (not sure why), but I obviously succumbed to a quick B/W here and I think the next lot I post might have a few more...(I have caught the B/W bug again:shock I certainly recommend the centre at Old Warden for anyone who wants to get close up to some great creatures.

Cheers

Owls do indeed have a 3rd eyelid but it moves horizontally from inner to outer and is used to clean the eye (also known as a nictating membrane).

The upper lid moves when they blink, the lower when they sleep.
It is possible the owl has an eye problem, which might account for why it's in a sanctuary, or it just doen't like being woken up.

Regardless of the above they are a beautiful bird and well captured

regards
Bernard

Thanks Frogherder, especially for the info. Much appreciated.