Okay … note to self. It is not smart to try out a new lens for the first time just before midnight. I still need to find true “infinity” on my new lens. Anyhow … here is a photograph of Comet Neowise at 11:45 pm a bit north of Duluth. This was my first ever attempt to use a telephoto lens at night. Normally I use a wide angle lens. Hopefully I will get another clear night to apply my lessons learned. My wife pointed out that my focus looks correct, but by being “zoomed in on the comet”, I picked up some star trails (25 second exposure). It just shows how fast the earth is spinning. Anyhow, using a telephoto lens at night is a challenge.
When I arrived home a bit after midnight, I discovered Hoot at the end of my driveway. She was begging to be fed by her parents. I said goodnight to my owl friend, and went to bed. At 5:00 am right outside my bedroom window, a bunch of Blue Jays decided Hoot really should not be hunting in my yard 25 minutes before sunrise. Soon about 40 crows joined in the chase. While I desperately needed sleep, I was also curious where Hoot would go perch for the day. I have not been able to find my friendly Great Horned Owl for over a week (at least during the day … she hunts my yard every night starting about 10 pm).
While my hiking attire was a bit unusual … pajamas and sandals, I headed out onto the Lester Amity Trails. About 3/4 mile later, I found Hoot who was being attacked my some Robins. I noted the spot, and returned home getting back before sunrise. It was back into bed, and I tried to sleep for another hour (after a failed bicycle ride attempt … my body was also screaming reset … late night photography + pre-sunrise hikes + early morning bicycle rides does not computer for my 64 year old body).
When I hiked back over to see Hoot, I decided it was time to force myself to use my new lens and monopod. While I was not taking photographs at night, Hoot was at a side angle to the sun, and I had an excellent, successful morning with Hoot. She was still putting up with pesky robins, but at least the crows had disappeared.
Hoot … the Great Horned Owl!
Hoot … the Movie! (link for email subscribers)
