Burrowing owl

[Allen Hirsch]

Burrowing owls winter at Cesar Chavez Park - this one hangs out on the riprap most of the time. In shade, with filtered sunlight falling on his body & face.

f/6.3, 1/200, ISO 400; 50D + 500L on tripod & Wimberley II. Tiny crops on both sides, boosted contrast a little in Lightroom.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Allen - Like the straight down the barrel stare - did you selectively sharpen the eye's wondering if they might be just a tad too bright.
For my personal tastes a little tight on the RHS - just feels that little bit cramped but guessing you probably cropped here to remove something from the BG.
might also have given the ISO a bump to increase the SS a little - did well though at that SS with the focal Length.

Good show :)

[Allen Hirsch]

As you guessed, Lance, there was a rock I cropped from the RHS - took the lazy/quick way out instead of leaving more room & cloning it out.

Here it is with a tad more room:

[Svante Larsson]

If I were a prey I would be very nervous . The repost is a large improvement and I wish it were mine. Personally I would remove the bird dropping.

[Peter Farrell]

What a great look he is giving you. Nice pose, BG and I like the rock perch.
Body looks a touch out of focus.
Peter

[Brendan Dozier]

Great looking owl and image Allen. Love those eyes and pose, repost looks good.