Taken at The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho.

[joelbolden]

Amazing shot!

[Mr. Ed]

I completely agree.

[Johndav]

Great shot and the fast shutter speed is spot on and enabled you to grab a ton of detail

[Ex Finn.]

WOW! Great shot.

[Dewman]

Thanks for all the positive comments. Believe it or not, this was a hand-held shot. When the handler released the owl, I had to follow it in flight and was extremely lucky to have captured it. It was unfortunate that there wasn't more of the bird in the frame, but I was still pleased with what I managed to get.

[Adam]

Very well done!

Adam
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[aslyfox]

very nice

my local Zoo - the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center recently began displaying a male and female Eurasian Eagle Owls

Unfortunately, the times I have seen one flying, I haven't been able to capture the image.

I love your photo

[Burnin' Coal]

Wow !....superb capture - stopped me in my tracks as it were...for me the crop just adds even more impact

[Dewman]

Thanks for all the fine compliments. If any of you are ever in the Boise area and they're putting on one of their events, I highly recommend attending it. It's something you'll never forget!

[K-Three]

Wonderful shot, you've really captured the intensity of these birds.
I was through Boise in early August, Too hot out to be flying birds when I was there; this must be the same guy:


Inside, in an air conditioned cage. I need to make a trip later in the fall when thy fly them.
Wonderful experience, I also highly recommend a stop if you are through the area.

[Dewman]

Wonderful shot, you've really captured the intensity of these birds.
I was through Boise in early August, Too hot out to be flying birds when I was there; this must be the same guy:


Inside, in an air conditioned cage. I need to make a trip later in the fall when thy fly them.
Wonderful experience, I also highly recommend a stop if you are through the area.

I think the bird you have pictured is a younger one. Here's the bird in my photo before the handler gave him a toss. Majestic birds, to be sure! Their talons are very lethal weapons! A few years ago, there was an electrical worker who's task for the day was to remove some owl nests from the highline towers. There were some fledgling owls in the nest and the mother attacked the lineman, ripping his jugular vein open and he bled to death before they could get him to the hospital.