Owl on Fence Post
by Nava Thompson
Title
Owl on Fence Post
Artist
Nava Thompson
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
A photo made by Nava Thompson of an Owl sitting on a fence post in NW Arkansas in the winter........Owls have large forward-facing eyes and ear-holes; a hawk-like beak; a flat face; and usually a conspicuous circle of feathers, a facial disc, around each eye. The feathers making up this disc can be adjusted in order to sharply focus sounds that come from varying distances onto the owls' asymmetrically placed ear cavities. Most birds of prey sport eyes on the sides of their heads, but the stereoscopic nature of the owl's forward-facing eyes permits the greater sense of depth perception necessary for low-light hunting. Although owls have binocular vision, their large eyes are fixed in their sockets�as are those of other birds�so they must turn their entire head to change views. Owls can rotate their heads and necks as much as 270 degrees in either direction.......As owls are farsighted, they are unable to see clearly anything within a few centimeters of their eyes. Caught prey can be felt by owls with the use of filoplumes�like feathers on the beak and feet that act as "feelers". Their far vision, particularly in low light, is exceptionally good.......
The smallest owl�weighing as little as 31 grams (1 oz) and measuring some 13.5 centimetres (5 in)�is the Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi).[4] Around the same diminutive length, although slightly heavier, are the lesser known Long-whiskered Owlet (Xenoglaux loweryi) and Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium sanchezi).[4] The largest owl by length is the Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa), which measures around 70 cm (28 in) on average and can attain a length of 84 cm (33 in).[4] However, the heaviest (and largest winged) owls are two similarly-sized eagle owls; the Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) and Blakiston's Fish Owl (B. blakistoni). These two species, which are on average about 2.53 cm (1.00 in) shorter in length than the Great Grey, can both attain a wingspan of 2 m (6.6 ft) and a weight of 4.5 kg (10 lb) in the largest female.......Different species of owls make different sounds; this wide range of calls aids owls in finding mates or announcing their presence to potential competitors, and also aids ornithologists and birders in locating these birds and recognizing species. As noted above, the facial disc helps owls to funnel the sound of prey to their ears. In many species, these discs are placed asymmetrically, for better directional location........
The plumage of owls is generally cryptic, but many species have facial and head markings, including face masks, ear tufts and brightly coloured irises. These markings are generally more common in species inhabiting open habitats, and are thought to be used in signaling with other owls in low light conditions.
Uploaded
January 19th, 2013
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Viewed 1,370 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/16/2024 at 11:39 PM
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Comments (69)
Doug Kreuger
Superb capture Nava! I am always amazed by your high quality work; how you find your subject, how close you are able to get and the fine details you achieve. Masterful work my Friend! L&F
William Tasker
I agree with Anita that this is sensational! Great shot! Your beautiful image has been featured by Wild Birds Of The World, a nature photography group. L/F
Nava Thompson replied:
William--thank you for the feature in Wild Birds Of The World---and for nice comments and l/f!
Anita Faye
Nava, sensational capture! Featured on Poetic Poultry Group! https://fineartamerica.com/groups/poetic-poultry-.html
John Bailey
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Rosalie Scanlon
Congratulations, your excellent image has been featured on Book Covers (1 image a day) Group.
Marilyn Smith
I can't say enough about your outstanding bird photography, Nava! Your DOF is perfect. L/F/P
Nava Thompson replied:
Marilyn---I so appreciate your generous comments and respect your artistic view. Thanks for the L/F/P!
Judy Johnson
So beautiful, Nava. I have yet to get a good picture of an Owl - this is just outstanding. L
Nava Thompson replied:
Thank you Judy----this was a one time chance for me---the only time to see one in the wild. Thanks for the L
Jean OKeeffe Macro Abundance Art
Congratulations for the feature of your image on the homepage of Greeting Cards For All Occasions 08-23-15!!
Randy Rosenberger
A true natural beauty and very well presented, Nava! Congratulations on your being chosen to have your artwork Featured on the homepage of the Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group. It is with pride and joy that I can share this beautiful piece of artwork with the FAA art community. Thanks for sharing. Randy B. Rosenberger (admin of WFS group)