Short-eared Owl Casting Pellet
by Bryce W. Robinson
I sat with a Short-eared Owl- Asio flammeus this morning for some time. I was lucky enough to capture the owl casting a pellet from a meal the night before. I rarely share my photography lately. The reason being that I am currently unable to afford photoshop or any program to attach a watermark, but this time I couldn’t contain my excitement and need to share this sequence. When I saw the bird hunch its back, I knew what to expect, and raised my lens, ready to capture the scene. The pellet was much larger than I ever thought possible, and I couldn’t believe my luck at the opportunity to capture the sight. Here is the sequence:
It took quite a while for the bird to expel the large pellet. Afterwards, as the last picture illustrates, the owl looked in my direction with a look of contentment. I wonder if it is satisfying for this creature to regurgitate undigested material.
Terrific action & behavior images Bryce!!
Thanks Mia. It was quite the experience.
Excellent captures Bryce! Thank you much for sharing!
Glad you like it!
I love these kinds of behavioral images, Bryce. Great sequence! I sort of “collect” these pellet expulsion images but I’ve get to get this species doing it. Kudos!
Thanks Ron. I sat watching this bird for about twenty minutes. Right as I began packing up to leave, I saw him hunching. Lucky me!
AHH! That is sooooo cool!!! I was totally geeking out to my family and showing everyone this sequence!!!
Haha I’m glad you geek out like I do. This was so much fun to watch.
Way cool! I love the gigantic eyes as the pellet comes out. Kind of like the owl was saying, ‘what the hell, this thing’s huge! I’ve looked at the sequence of pics many times and every time I see those eyes just about ready to pop out of it’s poor head,I just giggle. Thanks for making me smile:-)
Haha, I love your interpretation. I’m glad you enjoyed it Christel.
I am not a believer in watermarking, but I know many people are. Take a look at this website. It may have just what you want:
http://www.ilovefreesoftware.com/20/featured/5-free-software-to-add-watermark-to-images.html
Birds’ facial expressions often are priceless. This is a very exciting capture and “wow” series of photos.
Priceless indeed. Thanks for the comment Joseph.
Amazing and wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment.
Great sequence–thanks!