Red-Phased Screech Owl

[Paul Lagasi]

The other day while searching for Great Gray Owls, I came across something I'd never seen before in the Ottawa area. This Red-phased Screech Owl which was a new local bird for me, was trying so hard to blend in with the red color of the wood. This was above the entrance to a service station and people were coming in and out the door all day. He thought he was hidden from view and just perched there enjoying the warmth of the sun.

I cropped this image, used shadow/highlight feature in cs4 to get the shading right, then used Nik Spicify...I think I've mentioned before how much I like this effect.... I left it centered on purpose

Still going to search around for Great Gray Owls and others...more to come.

Ciao for now

[Dennis Bishop]

Centered works well, especially with the way the body is turned. I really like the slant, color, and character of the trim at the bottom of the image and the fact that it -- as well as the siding -- pretty much echoes the colors of the owl. The colors of the siding and the owl are similar, but I'd suggest using Replace Color to bring them even closer together.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Paul, he's a cutie! Nice job with Spicify.

[Bob Miller]

Paul....I really like this! I like the similar colrs, the feather details,and the portico slant at the bottom adds nicely to the image. Good Work!

[John Chardine]

Hi Paul- Never seen one of these colour-phases before. Love the texture and rich colours and I really like the HDR look.

[Kerry Perkins]

Paul, this is amazing and I love your commentary regarding the colors and the hiding in plain sight. I do believe that this bird is "trying" to look like the wood behind it, but the wood is much redder... Unlike some creatures, this owl is not able to change its color, but if it could I'm sure that it would be! I like the fact that your capture shows the subtle difference between the colors of the owl's plumage and the redder color of the background.

[Anita Bower]

I love the owl's expression! Those squinty eyes speak volumes--"just leave me alone." He does seem to be trying to blend in. The diagonal perch is a nice touch, providing contrast to the reds and browns and unity with the white feathers. Did you mean Spicify in Topaz Adjust? My only suggestion would be to crop some off the top, but it is not a bit deal. Good for you for noticing this owl hidden in plain sight.

[Judy Howle]

I love the sleepy expression and the pose on the ledge. Spicify worked well to bring out the colors and textures in the image.