Barred Owl

[Tim King]

It was nice to see this owl catch a Shrew (what appears) right in front of us,
then fly up to an eye-level perch just minutes before the heavy snow came tumbling down.
After a brief nap, It then cached the Shrew in a topped-off tree then continued to hunt.

50d | 300mm F4L IS | tripod
ISO 800, f6.3, 1/250

Thank you for the outlet.

[Satish Ranadive]

Tim:
Excellent image with very nice feel of snow fall.I like the pose of owl and snow on his head,nice lights and background.
Wish his eyes were open.I would prefer vertical composition considering the pose of owl and dark tree trunk nest to him.

Regards,
Satish.

[John Cooper]

Thats one cool image Tim in more ways than one! I love the composition here and the shrew was a nice bonus. A wonderful opportunity well executed.

[Doug Schurman]

Great image. The light dusting of snow really makes this image for me. Also, the closed eyes seem to fit in well with the dusting of snow on the head.

[christopher galeski]

good capture,like the snow,the prey a bonus,nice pose.thanks.

[Doug Brown]

Love the falling snow and excellent composition. The inclusion of prey is a real bonus. If only the eyes were open.

[Bill Dix]

Excellent. Snow really makes it, and the shrew tops it off. I don't mind him taking a nap, but open eyes would have also been nice. Lovely image.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I'm not winter guy at all, but I must admit that it is a season that is quite photogenic...and this image proves why. Love the prey item, and the snowy conditions (especially the accumulation on the head!). I'm OK with the closed eyes, but agree that havin them open, even if only slightly, would have been awesome. I like the horizontal comp but I'd prefer a tad more at left and a tad less at right. Super nice!!

[Grace Scalzo]

I love the story here, Tim. Super environment with the falling snow, dusting on his head, and the dangling shrew. I'm not sold on the composition and think that Daniel's suggestion would strengthen it. Do you have any extra in your frame? By the way, the sleepy pose with the closed eyes is very appealing to me.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Tim, I like the overall setting with the falling snow, and Like how the owl's colours blend in with the BG. His catch a bonus.

[Ignacio Yufera]

Lovely pose, expression and wintery feel. Congrats.

[gail bisson]

Love the "icing sugar" on the head.
Another vote for more on the LHS and less on the right.
Prey is a real eye catcher as well.
Do you have one with the eyes open? That would be a killer!
Gail

[Tim King]

I love the story here, Tim. Super environment with the falling snow, dusting on his head, and the dangling shrew. I'm not sold on the composition and think that Daniel's suggestion would strengthen it. Do you have any extra in your frame? By the way, the sleepy pose with the closed eyes is very appealing to me.

I do have more above and below in the original frame but I think the horizontal crop gives it more snow and its environment. I was gonna go bigger but there were distracting BG tree limbs.


The eyes are closed because of the heavy, blowing snow/napping. It started hunting again when the snow let off. Thanks all !!

[Petros Petrou]

This is very impressive! Great sharpness, exposure and detail. The prey is a plus but the snow on the head of the owl makes this a special image. Thanks for sharing this!

[David Salem]

Great frosty scene and like that his eyes are closed. Makes for a very nice wintery mood. Exposed well and the prey is a big bonus. Well done.

[Robert Holguin]

Wonderful shot.
Love the snow falling and the snow that it has on it's head. I really like the perch and habitat.
Well done.