Thanks to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, I had
the opportunity to meet a bald eagle and owl up close and personal this
past weekend. The center presented a program at the Muskego Public
Library. The Raptor Center specializes in the medical care,
rehabilitation, conservation, and study of eagles, hawks, owls, and
falcons.
I couldn't stop focusing on the birds' beautiful faces. Of all
their features, I'd argue the most striking are their eyes. It was
interesting to see the owl turn its neck completely around to look
who's behind its back. Owls have had it figured out all along! An owl's
neck has 14 vertebrae, which is twice as many as humans. This allows
the owl to turn its head through a range of 270 degrees.
Nikon D2H, 200 mm, 500 ISO, f2.8, 1/160, Manual
Nikon D2H, 200 mm, 500 ISO, f2.8, 1/160, Manual
Nikon D2H, 200 mm, 500 ISO, f3.2, 1/160, Manual
Nikon D2H, 200 mm, 500 ISO, f2.8, 1/160, Manual
