Sid, IMHO there is too much 'habitat. The Owl is competing with the BG and not wining. I think the owl is too high in the shot and IMHO a tighter crop, leaving some of the BG would be a more pleasing image.
Sid, I love the habitat and the eye contact is great. One option might be to crop the image about 2/3 of the way down, just above that branch. But if this is what you like then stick with it - I think that this is a compelling portrait and something different :)
Hi Sid - Nice exposure and sharpness on the owl. I also agree that the image is a bit busy, also looks like the whites on the lichen are hot, I'd burn them in.