John, a beautiful bird. I think that I might have walked around the tree to get a different camera angle that would reduce the amount of backlighting from the overcast sky. I would have tried to get more tree trunk in the background and less sky. And then maybe consider a portrait cropping to further reduce the back lighting. The back lighting reduces alot of the detail and darkens the subject. I realize that may not have been an option due to tree branches, drop offs, etc. I am envious though of your ability to see these beautiful birds.
I'd be rather worried if I find my friends perched on a branch while out walking.:) A nicely composed scene, John. Good details and textures in the photo. A good job capturing the owl against the backlighting of the sky.