Barred Owlet or Koala Bear?

This Barred Owlet was such a ham on day #2 of branching. As evidenced here, it actually lay down on its perch (the same one it stretched from in my last image) and reminded me of a resting koala. This was shot at a rather high angle from fairly close b/c I wanted to convey the owlet's pose as accurately as possible. I don't like the white to the left of the owl, but this was the best BG I could find.

Canon 1D4, Canon 500L
F4, 1/400sec, ISO 1250, manual mode
Fill flash with BB @ -2-1/3
Feisol tripod, Jobu head & arm

C & C always welcomed and much appreciated.

Hi Marina, owl is awesome and well captured but IMO the big branch is a bit overwhelming. As you say the BG is not the best but shots into canopy are really tough in this regard. I love the look on the little guy's face. Thanks for sharing

Cute. The look down helps with the steep angle.

In fact it does not seem so steep for my eye! may be I am just too used to shoot birds in steep angles!
He could pass for a koala with no problem ha ha ha. I understand what you feel about the white on BG as tropical photography offers tons of that! well done despite the difficulty.

I believe you have captured the very rare "Ko-Owlet"! :w3 Love the "fuzz" and "so cute" face! Also, does not look too steep for me either. You may want to think about a slight crop to the bottom, just below the fern, which may eliminate some of the heavy branch at the lower right side. A truly "AWWW" image!

Nice little one well framed, Marina.

Beautiful owlet, nature is filled with wonders.

Hi Marina,
I am enjoying your picture despite the difficult background lighting. Not sure about the koala likeness - I would like to see some ears!
Cheers, Ian

Cute one Marina.
Now that its mentioned the white splodge on the left is a bit eye catching. Easily toned down perhaps ?
Still a fine shot.
JohnR

Marina, I am enjoying the Owl images, The look down does seem to help with the steep shot. His eyes are so dark, glad you were able to capture catch lights in them.