One of the highlights of my trip to the Ridgefield NWR on Nov. 20, 2017, was the spotting of this Barred Owl (lifer for me). But I have to give credit for spotting it to John Davis for letting me know its exact location. I would never have seen it without his pinpoint directions: 75 feet off the road and 2 feet off the ground. This shot was taken under very dark conditions–late overcast afternoon, in the shade of forest, and at ISO 5000–so sharpness has suffered some. The line of sight to the owl was also blurred somewhat by grass due to its perch being so low off the ground. I’m just happy I got a shot!
Canon 5D Mark III, 1/320, f4, ISO 5000, 500mm, 4:23 p.m.
