This is so sweet. This bird cracks against that dark, steely background. Exposure looks great, and the direct stare is perfect. You could probably clone the twig handing down from top right and the bright, blurry spot at lower right, but are more than passable as presented. You could also lose a bit off the ride side to center him, but that's more personal preference than anything else. Bravo.
Thanks, Dorian, much appreciated. Happy New Year, hopefully with more birds. It's a fun area to visit as often a vole runs in front of you out of the snow. I'm a little worried about them though as a couple of great horned owls are also nearby who have taken out a few of the long eareds.
Agree with everything Dorian has said, but I actually like the twig in the top right, balances the composition for me. You controlled the noise very well👌
I love the mood. The orange facial disc looks great against the dark and gray surroundings. Vertical comp a must here. The hint of snow gives a wintry context. Perhaps a touch blue. Yes, GHOs are nasty with other owls when they move in to territory, Barred Owls are as well.