Picture Of The Week 02-11-08

Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)

Where: Vienna, VA • 2008 Meadowlark Nature Photo Expo at Meadowlark Gardens Notes: This large five pound magnificent female owl, Zeus by name, was brought to the Nature Photography Expo by The Raptor Conservancy. She has been deemed a non-releasable bird because she was human imprinted as a chick, probably as a result of illegal nest raid. Imprinting is a biological process that occurs within the first couple of days of a hatchlings life and is normally bonded to a parent. This process developes an amazingly strong bond to the imprinted subject. Having an animal this powerful with a human imprint is dangerous both to the bird itself and people other than her handler. I rarely turn down an occasion to do this kind of portrait and close-up photography of these education birds because it presents an opportunity to gather detailed images that there is simply no other way to accomplish. Plus most events like this benefit the nonprofit groups that care for these birds by making monetary donations to their organization. All the veterinarians that assist the Raptor Conservancy with injured birds also donate their services for free. (They also accept donations online).

Equipment: Canon EOS D20 • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens • Hand Held

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 1/50 second • Aperture = f 8.0 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 160 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~6 Feet • Date Shot: 02-11-08

©2007 Robert W. Schamerhorn. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.

To Order Prints

This photograph is available on archival premium luster photopaper. Quality prints come signed by the artist, matted (white) with backing board and clear protective polypak. Satisfaction Guaranteed or Full Refund. A portion of the proceeds goes to support avian habitat conservation efforts.

Larger sizes can be custom ordered and printed using a high resolution seven color ink process on matte finished photo stock: 12" x 18", 16" x 20", 18" x 24" and 20" x 24' See ADDITIONAL PRINT SIZES for more information.

PRINT: Great Horned Owl (No. 1684)
Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: GRHO(_MG_1648)8X10 . . . $39.95

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