The Tiger of the Woods by danob
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
As with practically all raptor species, the Eagle owls greatest enemy is MAN. Direct human persecution from farmers (shooting and trapping) has declined in recent years because most of the farmers have come to understand how beneficial these birds are in keeping their fields and yards free of rodents. But there are still some knuckle-scrapers out there that just don't get it. I used to live during school holidays on a large farm where the Neigbouring farm owner shot all the raptors that flew overhead and then was forced to apply hundreds of pounds of rat poison every year to keep the rats and mice from chewing through the baling strings and his harvest.. They found a safe haven at my Aunts farm..
However, indirect human persecution persists today in the form of secondary pesticide poisoning. Whatever toxins that the rodents have ingested have an accumulative effect on the raptor. That's what happened to the Peregrine and the Bald Eagle back in the 70's. They fed on DDT contaminated animals that lived in or near water. DDT is a very strong pesticide that got into the food chain by way of run-off. The pesticide didn't kill the raptors outright, but it effected the calcium output leading to eggshell thinning. Thank goodness we turned that one around!
This owl is often called the Tiger of the woods, and not given this name for nothing..

Comments (32)
This is an Eagle Owl ? a so beautiful one. It's the first time I read this name. For me he was an Owl.... lol. A marvelous portrait Danny, and one more time, an evidence of the stupidity of the Man..... I would like to go with you in all these places and see all these birds. Have a nice evening my friend. Hugs
Only one word ! Fantastic !
Don't be fooled by those sleepy, looking eyes. He is keenly aware of his surroundings. Stunning photo Dannie of one of my favorite creatures.. Fav!
Super detail and pose as always and your message as disturbing as it is challenging to improve their chances on something better than just survival!
Excellent shot Dan. Perfect details and DOF!
Always appreciate the text you give us with your super images. I always learn something as well as see a great pic. Thank you!
Well see and well said. thanx ;-)
Love your play on words in title!!!!!!! Excellent portrait!!!
I hope the world takes heed to your warnings or we may loose these precious animals and birds forever. It would be a shame to never see them again. Excellent capture. Aloha
Absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful capture!
Yes, this stunning owl looks like a very fierce and capable hunter. Excellent shot. CC
Fantastic Image - and background info! Just perfect!
A beautiful owl. Yes, the pesticides and herbicides are horrible. Many birds and even interesting insects we had on our farm 20+ years ago are no longer seen. We use neither of these toxic chemicals, but have no control over what neighboring farmers do. So sad.
We do like to destroy alot of things, don't we? Hopefully we'll come to our senses before it's too late.
Absolutely another brilliant shot and sentiments!
Thank you for your message and your wonderful pics. We destroy our beautiful world. is a shame
Wonderfully detailed & sharp capture, Awesome looking hunter Stuart
When I was a very small girl, my father shot an owl. My girlfriend and I dutifully retrieved it from the woods, and my father was going to have it mounted. The taxidermist said he couldn't do it because the great horned owl was on the endangered list. My father felt very bad about that, because he did not know that. To this day, I still deeply feel remorse every single time I see an owl.
Again a terrific photo, Daniel. Wonderful sharpness and details and beautiful pose.
Danny, quite well done. Where do you folks on the "islands" find all these fine birds?
Stunning photo and a strong message! Unfortunately I saw a documentary on TV about malaria and they mentioned the use of DDT in and around households. Statistically they say when they use DDT there was a remarkable decline in mosquitoes/malaria. That is just great news for us humans, but not so for the other animals. I really hope they get a DDT-alternative soon. We will keep fighting this battle. Best regards
Nice clear image with a good background and perch.Nice work on the eye.
Beautiful creature
You didn't an absolute splendid job on this one! Lovely shot
known to be wise, certainly shows here! wiser then man perhaps
What a beauty!!!! Love the details on the owl and the wonderful backgound bokeh. Great shot Danny!
SUPERB!! I hope this one survives the ignorance of mankind where animals are concerned.
hard to say which one of the series I would prefer....all perhaps.
Your images are always breathtakingly beautiful this is superb photography :) Cathy xoxoxo
Bellissima!