Wow, its almost as if he is winking at you :). I can see what you mean about the softness, but I think that the picture is still quite grand! As magnificent as his feathers are... that piece of tree he is perched on seems to be quite exciting, too! Excellent capture.

Wonderful presentation of a unique nature shot!!You have got to love those owls!
Peace&Respect Jojo

I think the softness adds to the beauty of this picture. You have framed it perfectly as well. Very much enjoyed by me :)

Such a supreme Bird he is gorgeous. Well done on getting this great shot. And thank you so much for sharing it :)

Auline

Lovely and soft, interesting perspective Michael! Well done!

I guess he's a wise winking owl :) That's a colorful perch he's on. I like the blurred green background and your frame fits him well. Thanks for sharing this wonderful bird...

The softness adds a dreamy look to this shot. And good saturatons too.

even though I live in suburbia .. I get strafed, and screeched at by owls when I'm out walking my dog .. we have quite a few palm trees scattered around and the old-wives-tale is that's where the owls live .. I hear a screech and look up and I see the 'undercarriage' of a light-colored bird with a flat-topped head being lit by the streetlights

about a month ago I saw it up close as it came down to check out my dog.. maybe a barn owl (round white face)

I used to have a burrowing owl that my brother and I caught (via throwing a t-shirt at it) .. we finally decided we couldn't care for it and took it back where we got it

Those birds scare the bejeebers out of me. None the less you have captured this very well. You are brave. Tracey

You are doing good Michael! This is my favorite bird! I love owls and have many statues as well as a few stuffed ones! We have them in the woods behind our house. There is a screech owl (noisy little bugger) and a family of barn owls. They will come and sit on the deck railing when the light is low during late afternoon and they want dinner from my bird feeder!!!!
This capture of yours is so cool. The softness is okay with me. When I was in that rain forest, we saw nothing but some moss......it was not an eventful visit. Maybe when we return, I will be more productive :~)
The wise owl is just looking at you and wondering why you stopped doing what you were doing to annoy him, eh? Good job once again my friend :~)

Looks good I like it but I guess it would have been better if it was sharper but you have a good excuse ;) keep up the good work

Looks good very well done and keep up the good work

Too bad about the soft filter but the compostion, subject and colors are wonderful. I'd go look for this guy again if you get the chance. Awesome shot. :-)