Burrowing Owl

[Robert Holguin]

Hello everyone. Well I have been trying to photograph this little guy for a while now. I have taken several pics but none that I have really liked, until today. I hope you enjoy. The only nit I have is I think the eye brows might be a tad blown. What do you all think? C&C welcomed and encouraged.
Camera - Nikon 300s, Lens - Nikon 300 f4, Exposure - 1/8000, Aperture - F4, ISO - 400, Metering - Spot, Aperture Priority.
Self critique - I should have used an f8 to have complete focus. I think the right edge seems kind of soft other than I think its ok.

[Ian Cassell]

Robert. Nice image! Focus is good. The eyebrows don't look bad on my monitor at work, but will look again when I get home. I find the BG distracting with the interface between black and brown cutting his head.

[Robert Holguin]

Thanks Ian for the feedback. I knew that black bar was going to be an issue but did not remove it. I now have removed it. What do you all think of this repost.

[Peter Farrell]

Robert,
The change in the BG on the RP is a definite improvement. I agree with your self critique, you certainly did not need that SS. I would try slightly darkening the eyes and eyebrow area. Do you have one with the entire owl? Is this a captive?
Peter

[Robert Holguin]

Hello Peter. First off all thank you for your feedback. No this owl is not captive its as wild as they get, and unfortunately I was not able to get the whole body.

[Ian Cassell]

Repost is much better! It looks like you were able to get far closer than I ever can with these guys.

[Cody Covey]

Repost is much better! It looks like you were able to get far closer than I ever can with these guys.

Again with this! I really need to find out where the owls are hiding around here! I always love looking at your guys' images of owls!

[Tom Redd]

I like the repost, good improvement. How can you not love owls' eyes?!! I might rotate the image CW to level the eyes, they are beautiful. Well done.

[Doug Robertson]

Great image, before the repost I was going to suggest levelling the black bar, but you got rid of it entirely!
Cool.

[Robert Holguin]

Thank you all for all the great feedback, much appreciated.