Had been to chennai this weekend, keeping the Sea Turtles in mind. But the unexpected rains ruined the Turtle walk Program. Never Mind, All thanks to my friend Ramnath who took me to this small patch of shrub Jungle amidst the busy city of Chennai where I could see these great Horned owls for the First time and photograph it.
Scientific name : Bubo virginianus
An average Great Horned Owl is 55 cm (22 inches) long, has a wingspan of 124 cm (49 inches) and weighs about 1400 grams (3.1 lbs).
About Me
I was speeding at 90's on the Hunsur Main Road on my way to Nagarhole at around 3 AM. I had to come to a screeching halt when i saw this lovely barn owl sitting happily on the main road. I wasted no time in taking a few eye level shots of this bird from a safe distance, not wanting to disturb the Bird. I was done with a few frames but this guy refused to move. I had to navigate a few KSRTC Buses and Trucks away from running over this Bird. It looked to me like this fella was on a Suicide kinda Mood.
With No much options left, I walked straight upto it and tapped its head, signalling it to move. He responded to my touch, looked at my face for about 15 secs and decided to fly away to safety. This certainly did put a smile on my face but then when my mind started probing the incidence and questions like " Why an Owl has to sit so close to the danger zone,even if its not injured or wounded ? " started raising, i could conclude on some scientific facts.
1. Owls are noctornal creatures and are sensitive to Harsh Lights.
2. Its a known fact that Owls cant see clearly during a bright sunny day, and they rest in shady places like inside bark of a hollow tree etc.
3. Their eyes are designed in such a way that even a single beam of harsh light when focussed directly into their eyes, can do some severe damage to the bird.
So, Its quite possible that the Bird might ve gone blind for a few mins due to a powerful headlight of any other vehicle passing by and waited there to get adjusted to its normal light sensitivity.
Id like to take this Opportunity to key in a few very important do's and Dont's of Night Photography.
1. Never approach a noctornal creature very close while photographing it.
2. Avoid using powerful External Flash Packs.
3. Even the built in flash can do some damage, if shot from a close range.
4. A mild Torch or a lamp can do the job for your camera, and wont disturb the Birds.
5. The atmost priority of Wildlife Photography is not to disturb the animals or the birds, we are photographing. Try to adhere.
Expert comments on the behaviour of the Bird is most welcomed.
Happy Clicking !
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