This past Saturday, Anya and I made a visit to the National Aviary. Because it was gloomy and overcast outside, it was dim and very difficult shooting conditions inside. After wandering around for a few hours, we were set to go - I packed up my gear and we were about to leave. On our way, we stopped by the burrowing owl exhibit one more time. The first time we looked at it, there was only one owl visible sitting on top of a fake cactus. This time a second owl was peeking its head out of the burrow. Well, since it was close to closing time, there were caterers setting up tables for some event that was happening after regular hours. I had to fight the urge to leave all my gear in my bag and just leave... instead, I pulled everything back out, waited for a break in the caterers' activities and moved in to take a couple more shots.

I'm glad I did - this is hands down the best shot I came back with from the day.

Technical Data: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, 1/80 sec at f/5. Image Stabilization on. ISO 640. Canon Speedlight 580EX II flash in eTTL mode and bounced through an ExpoImaging Rogue Flashbender. RAW processing and cropped in Adobe Camera Raw.

- Bill