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They had to be JOKING!

© Michelle Alton

They had to be JOKING!

Uploaded: April 24, 2014 | Entered: April 24, 2014 18:13:57

Description


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Photographed these two Great Horned Owls today through the doubled wires (1" square openings) of their way-too-small enclosure. They were actually pacing back and forth on their respective "shelves."
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Now let me tell you where the poor trapped birds reside: The John James Audubon Wildlife Refuge in Audubon, PA.
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It was bad enough that Audubon actually killed the birds to paint their portraits. This, in my mind, is WORSE.
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Exif: F Number: 6.3, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/640 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 3200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 92.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Comments

Michelle Alton April 24, 2014

The other owl, using Photoshop's Oil Painting filter.
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Carol L. Fowler April 24, 2014

Which is why I hate zoos. People who supposedly love animals cage them up in tiny enclosures. But at least some of these birds are injured and are in need of care. He's a great looking bird in any case. #11029792

Tiia Vissak April 24, 2014

a cool portrait! #11029917

Avril Young April 25, 2014

very sad indeed..I so agree with Carol..

such lovely big eyes.. #11029927

Debbie Bray April 25, 2014

How come your animal protection authorities don't do something about this, Michelle? Here in Ozzie, there was a resort that had a way too small enclosure for dolphins, and they were made to release them! I hate seeing cockatoos and large birds in small cages too!! They don't deserve to be gaoled! You have captured him beautifully, tho! #11029968

Chris Ebben April 25, 2014

It is so sickening how animals are treated. The reason why over the time we have had so many rescue animals. A lot of animal parks just aren't doing enough for the poor things welfare. Great portrait all the same=^..^= #11030028

Jeffrey R. Bange April 25, 2014

Beautiful portraits of these gorgeous Great Horned Owls Michelle, I can't believe how big their eyes really are. I truly did not know that he killed the birds that he painted the portraits of, that definitely explains how he was able to get such great detail in his paintings. Have a nice weekend. #11030504

Ann Coates level-classic April 25, 2014

So it's a refuge and treats its animals like this. It should be shut down. What a tragedy. Excellent close up Michelle. #11030566

Jill Odice level-classic April 26, 2014

Wow, who would ever think that they would treat the birds they are supposed to be protecting that way! A real eye opener...Fantastic portraits, I cannot even tell you shot through the cage! #11030753

Emile Abbott level-deluxe May 01, 2014

Of course I agree with all of the above comments. Love the eyes. #11036357

Linda A. Braddock August 01, 2014

Michelle, you know I agree with all the above comments, I love animals and especially birds. I love your photo, it is Gorgeous! #11098430

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