Burrowing Owl (1st post)

[Mike Landwehr]

Juvenile burrowing owl, just after sunrise (you can see the reflection of the sunrise in his eyes). Mark IIn at 700mm (500 f/4 and 1.4x), ISO 400, +1 exp comp, f/5.6, 1/50, no flash. All comments/suggestions welcomed.

[Dan Brown]

Hi Mike. The bird and the BG are very good. I especially like the eyes! They are unique in that the iris' are wide open in the early morning low light. Which, in turn really shows the sunrise reflections in the black of the eyes.
Great first post, welcome!

Dan Brown,
Sacramento

[Gayle Clement]

Welcome, Mike. I love the detail in those fluffy feathers and legs. I like this as is,and really like that reflection.

[Dave Phillips]

welcome Mike, beautiful image.....I can see quite a landscape in those stunning eyes.
Owl not oversharpened, has that nice fluffy look

[Fabs Forns]

This is an outstanding image, great first post!
The speciment is a handsome one and you captured him to perfection. Sun in the eyes is a big plus. Now, compo wise, I may take a tiny bit off the right. Looking forward to more!

[Rosl Roessner]

Big Welcome! This is a great first Post! I like the warm colours and of course those eyes.... Can't wait to see more...

[Doug Brown]

Welcome to BPN Mike! A first-rate first post. Love the sunrise in the eyes. Agree with the suggestion about the crop.

[Lana Hays]

Mike
Welcome....and a wonderful first post. So alert with the big eyes.....and great feather detail. Pleasant BG to compliment the owl. I agree with Fabs suggestion for the crop as well. Well done.

[Mike Landwehr]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome! And thanks, Fabs, for the cropping suggestion. I'll give it a try.

Mike

[david cramer]

Love those eyes and the reflection. The crop will help take it off center, which is usually a good idea. Agree with everyone else that your sharpening is just right.

[Blake Shadle]

A late welcome, but a welcome nonetheless! Great work on this one, Mike! I love the eye contact, and you created a beautiful background. I might crop from the left and right, keeping him at center, just tightening up the frame a bit.