The Japanese maple does make a striking background for your owl.
I like the wind blown 'horn', nice display of talons, intense stare.
I do think that the owl looks a bit pasted on the background, and you might consider a bit less sharpening.
I know these trees are pretty flamboyant, but the saturation looks a bit much for the red.
That fall foliage looks stunning! I'm just not sure I like it as a BG for your owl; I find it a little overpowering. I would crop off the top and maybe a little off the right too.
Gorgeous bg and lovely bird. Striking photo indeed.
Another vote for crop from the top and a bit from the right.
I seem to like perches or elements entering the frame from a bottom corner if they are diagonal.
In this case, I would perhaps prefer some additional space below.
There are two tiny bright spots on the left that made me think I had two burnt pixels. Was glad when they scrolled with the image :)
Lovely bird, love that stare and those talons. Thanks for sharing.