I went to see this Barred Owl Saturday with a couple friends. It was easy to find, after just a twenty minute walk on a nice day, there it was perched in the open just a few feet from the trail. Unfortunately it was higher up in the tree than I would like. I opened the aperature more than normal to try and throw the background out of focus but maybe I should have gone a little wider to f5. The background could have been better but since this species is not too common this close to home, I'll take it. My only other encounter with this species was a couple years ago, 4 hours drive from home. This one was 1/2 an hour away.
Canon 7d, 500f4, tripod 1/500, f5.6, ISO 400 30% crop and sharpen
I think you did a very good job handling the high angle and the environment here, Mike. I LOVE the perch and the snow is a huge plus. The BG works rather nicely here to tell the story and it's nice that you were graced with just enough light.
You did well with the BG...nicely hinting at the habitat. I agree you could tone down the very brightest area at left. The dabs of light are hitting the owl in the right spots. Looks like it has an injury below one eye? If your ethics allow it you could "heal" it in post (clone and patch tools).