Hunting in the sun

[sdwilsonsct]

Northern Pygmy owl. Feedback welcome.

[churly]

Nice one Scott.  The dark barky blob on the right kind of draws my eye.  It could be removed if so desired. One eye in shadow and one in the sunlight provides a nice foresty context.

[francois]

I like it very much. The yellow eye is stunning. The dark "thing" doesn't bother me too much, FWIW.
It's a beautiful image, well done.

[Kevin Gallagher]

 go to agree with the others, the contrast in the eyes makes this one great!

[muntanela]

The gaze is as serious as only nature can be. Troppo caruccia ("too nice", but "caruccia" is better).

[sdwilsonsct]

Thanks, everyone. Rarely do the bird, the light and the camera all line up, but it does happen now and then. The sunlit eye is pure luck.

I agree about the branch touching the back, Chuck, and might try at least disconnecting it from the subject.

The serious gaze is because the owl was hunting mice. Thanks, muntanela.

[Jeremy Roussak]

It's a wonderful catch, but I find the owl a bit on the dark side.

Jeremy

[sdwilsonsct]

It's a wonderful catch, but I find the owl a bit on the dark side.

Thanks, Jeremy. The owl is indeed brighter under even light. The contrast between sun and shadow makes it dark. I've poked the file a bit and will post a revision if I can get a good version.