Great Gray Owl

[Stuart Edwards]

This is a shot from last February late in the day. I laid down on my stomach to get this angle and made a mound of snow to steady the lens because I forgot my tripod in the truck.
there was already a group of photographers there when I showed that were using mice as bait. They waved me over and waited for me to get ready before continuing. Very friendly folks. I really liked how the blowing snow made him melt into the ground.
Shot with 1DIV 400mm , f5.6 , 1/1600 , iso400
A little noise reduction on the background and smart sharpen on the bird only

[Jay Ing]

What a face and eyes! I agree the low POV really helps make this shot. I think everyone left happy (except the mouse). Thanks for sharing.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I like the pose and the angle from which it was taken. Colours look good, I guess these birds plumage colouration varies quite a lot, I got one in September 2016 and as the name implies it was very grey compared yours.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the direct stare, low angle, BG and composition. They are beautiful owls. Thanks for sharing.

[Bill Dix]

Terrific low POV, and great stare. Nice sharp detail too, thanks to that mound of snow.

[Mike Poole]

Those eyes really draw you into the frame - stunning!. Lovely low positioning, and great complementary colours in the BG

Mike

[Glenn Pure]

Very impressive, Stuart. Fabulous stare from those eyes and wonderful detail on the bird. I too like the low POV and the owl 'melting' into the snow as you describe. Good complementary colours in the background too. No nits from me.

[Stuart Edwards]

HI Jonathan. I had the chance to see this same bird i varying light over several days . It was infact gray but this was shot very late in the day and that is exactly how i remember it looking .I have a few shots from closer to sunset where the colors are even warmer.

I like the pose and the angle from which it was taken. Colours look good, I guess these birds plumage colouration varies quite a lot, I got one in September 2016 and as the name implies it was very grey compared yours.

[Jonathan Ashton]

HI Jonathan. I had the chance to see this same bird i varying light over several days . It was infact gray but this was shot very late in the day and that is exactly how i remember it looking .I have a few shots from closer to sunset where the colors are even warmer.

Thanks for the reply Stuart, it really is a magnificent bird well done!