Terrific shot. I have a spotted eagle owl who hoots each night from the light pole across the road, always in the dead of night and out of range of the flashgun - I'll have to set up a hide.

is much like out Great-horned Owl I think. The EO apparently does not range into out area. The hide works well, I have a portable pop-up that sets in about a minute. Thank you for your comments!

A really nice photo composition wise, a bit on the noisy side but good color and expression. Did you use NR or try NR in post. Looking forward to your next post of the GHO.

I love the contrast between the noisy background and the owl especially how it hides the fact that, by nessesity, you're actually missing the true characteristic softness of the bird.

So was this actually in the wild rather than an aviary? If so, well done!

It was a wild one that I was pleasently surprised to see. I was looking for a Great Horned Owl and this one happened to be there. Although it was low light and I did get some noise, part in the BG is rough red barn paint too. I sort of liked the graininess. Thank you for your kind comments.

Yes I did use some, but I kind of liked the graininess of the BG and noise combination. The BG was rough and peeling barn paint.

she looks like a stuffed animal; excellent tonality

These are wonderful birds, Kim, and we have the same species here in Australia - as in many parts of the world. The colour of the rope here is so in tune with the plumage of the bird. And the reddish BG works nicely too. Check those talons! Nice work.

love the tone and texture you have achieved as well as the very effective use of diagonal and horizontal lines which complement and stabalize the composition. I love this photo! Very nice job! Bev