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Posted by Paul-the-other on 07:10:05 03/14/07
In Reply to: Great Horned Owl baby at Loxahatchee posted by Kevin H
The sighting of the Great Horned Owl is fairly simple as Kevin H set forth above. Here are some notes for photographers that might want to "capture" (don't you hate the new vernacular?) the event.
The nest is located about 40 feet off the ground, about 125 feet distance and visible from the road. The road shoulder available to stand on is very narrow (about five feet) and multiple photographers and other viewers have to exhibit courtesy for all to see and photograph without being run over by vehicles. Because of the stand of tall thin cypress, shadows and clear view are a problem. The available best sighting is only some 15 feet wide. Best sunlight time is about 8-11. Afternoon shadows tend to fall on the birds. Shooting is to the North and the angle is about 40 degrees. If the day is hot the birds will crowd the shadow of the host tree.
Besides TAS people, photographers both professional and amatuer as well as fisher-people use the road. Some tend to stop and leave their cars in the road...a real no-no.
The north to south shoot is very poor, the west to east shoot is no good because of the host tree blocking the nest and a east to west shot is not available at all. This photo op is a real challenge, worth the effort, and the results can be pleasing as the baby owl has and will give yawns, grimaces, and that traditional"bored owl look". Good morning light allows for wide aperature high speed and pleasing depth of fields. The cypress are beginning to foliate and very soon the dappled sun will turn to no direct sun. Now is the time.
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