2014 Birds of Prey Photo Competition

2014 Birds of Prey Photo Competition

It's been a while since I've posted.  (not sure why there's white around my text.)  My bird blog has suffered in its ranking, as a result.  It couldn't be helped, though.  I had to have corneal transplants in both eyes in 2013.  As part of getting back into my photography, I've entered a photo competition and I need your help.  The prizes are awarded based on the most votes received by the public. Please vote once a day through June 13th.  

Please share this post with your FB friends and ask them to vote, too. My 5 images are all on pages 1-3, under "Newest" tab. Kathleen B is under each one, so they are easy to find. The links to the individual photos are below, if it will be easier for you to find my images.To see what images are ahead of mine in votes, go to "Most Popular". If you think any of my images are worthy of being pushed up in the ranks, please do what you can to help them get there.  Feel free to vote for other worthy images you like, as well.  There are some great images in the running.

Thank you! 


Golden Eagle  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136817

Northern Saw-whet Owl  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136803

Sleepy Burrowing Owl  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136801

Osprey in Flight  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136721

Short-eared Owl  http://platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Birds-of-Prey-2014-Photo-Competition/136715

• PRIZES
• GRAND PRIZE:
  Vortex Optics has generously donated a RAZOR HD 16-48X65 spotting scope. Its sophisticated triplet apochromatic lens system delivers high-definition views across the entire field of view—no color fringing, degradation of resolution or dilution of color fidelity at longer viewing distances. Retail value: $1200.
  
  
  2ND PRIZE: 
  $100 credit at The Peregrine Fund gift shop, either online or at our visitor's center in Boise, Idaho.
  
  
  3RD PRIZE: 
  $50 credit at The Peregrine Fund gift shop, either online or at our visitor's center in Boise, Idaho.
  
  
  10 HONORABLE MENTION PRIZES: 
  Free membership in The Peregrine Fund ($25 value). Receive the next Birds of Prey Calendar, 10% gift shop discount, and unlimited admission at the World Center for Birds of Prey for one year.

My image=Honorable Mention

I recently entered the spring Idaho Birding Photo Competition, sponsored by Idaho Camera. Out of 94 entries, my burrowing owl image, below, took an Honorable Mention. I am quite proud of my image and the comments by the judges.

Judges Comments: "This is the kind of image I would see in National Geographic. The first thing that strikes me is the eyes of the owl that captures the viewer and holds them. It is an intense stare and you get a connection to the owl because of this. I like the way the creator of this image simplified the background through shallow depth of field, the background is completely indistinct and just becomes a lovely green backdrop to this image. I like the rim light that really make the bird stand out from the background, and the fact there is enough shadow detail for those eyes to grab you. I think the only thing I find myself wanting is a little more intensity in the eyes...not too much. That might be accomplished through a low-power fill in flash or perhaps some mild post-process. All in all, a great image."


I really enjoyed getting the judges' comments on my own image, as well as the others, as they help me improve as a photographer.

I knew when I saw the winning image that it would probably take first, and I agree with the judges' 1st. place pick. Personally, I would have liked to see a little bit more light on the eyes, though. See it here.