Great Grey Owl in snow

[Terry Sohl]

From "the year" at Sax-Zim bog. I'm taking another trip up around Duluth next month, and while I know asking for a repeat of the miraculous number of owls of 2004/2005 is too much to ask, I'm still looking forward to the trip.

In the meantime...just reprocessing photos and dreaming...

[Axel Hildebrandt]

This species is pretty high up on my wishlist. I like the eye contact and mood and might sharpen the bird a bit more. I would be tempted to clone out the snowy branch next to the bird's head. Keep them coming!

[Maxis Gamez]

I have to agree with Axel. Excellent image but needs more sharpening!

[Phil Bayley]

This was very down and dirty, but sharpened and cloned as suggested by Alex. Would like to spend more time on it.

[Terry Sohl]

I like the additional sharpening, but as for the suggestions on cloning the background...I'm not a big fan for a shot like this. I much prefer habitat in a shot rather than the "bird-on-a-stick" look.

Just personal preference...I'm not knocking the suggestion!!! Maybe it's because I'm a birder first, photographer 2nd. I will always remember this moment...rounding a corner on an isolated gravel road, and seeing this bird in a small opening in a spruce forest. For me, I lose the feeling of the spruce forest by removing the background branches and snow.

I admit the edited shot you posted would likely sell better for many applications though, given how clean the background is.

[Phil Bayley]

Then how about this?

[Glenn Bartley]

Very majestic.

[Ed Grella]

Great stare!!

[Judd Patterson]

Terry this is just awesome! Truly a great combination of owl, environment, and weather! I dream of a Great Gray Owl photograph like this. :)