Owl: Yesterday a couple of cooper's hawks showed up in my backyard. I went out today to see if they were still hanging around. There weren't but this guy had shown up. I don't know why...

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

Yesterday a couple of cooper's hawks showed up in my backyard. I went out today to see if they were still hanging around. There weren't but this guy had shown up.
I don't know why these raptors are suddenly finding my backyard so interesting. Hope they don't have eyes on my little dogs.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Great horned owl? Fantastic impact for me with those piercing yellow eyes filling the frame. Terrific feather detail in the important areas. The vignette is a beautiful finishing touch.

Terrific shot, Paul!

Since my dog weighs less than 12 lbs, I'd be afraid for sure

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

Linda From Maine wrote:

Great horned owl? Fantastic impact for me with those piercing yellow eyes filling the frame. Terrific feather detail in the important areas. The vignette is a beautiful finishing touch.

Terrific shot, Paul!

Since my dog weighs less than 12 lbs, I'd be afraid for sure

Thanks Linda. I do believe that it's a great horned owl.
While I hope he's not after our little bichons I do hope he'll stick around for a while.

drmarty Loc: Pine City, NY

Psergel wrote:

Yesterday a couple of cooper's hawks showed up in my backyard. I went out today to see if they were still hanging around. There weren't but this guy had shown up.
I don't know why these raptors are suddenly finding my backyard so interesting. Hope they don't have eyes on my little dogs.

Beautiful job Paul!

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

Wow, great capture! I'd love to have something like that show up in my backyard to "shoot", all I get is hummers and bluejays, lol.

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

Super download and feather details Paul, gorgeous eyes.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

I am SOOOO jealous. What a shot!!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

This is an outstanding photo. I would second the comments Linda made. The eyes are riveting and the close crop is perfect!

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

He doesn't look ruffled by the recent move. All's well that ends well.

Snap Shot Loc: California

Wow, what a privilege to have been able to capture such a wonderful bird!

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

Bob Yankle wrote:

He doesn't look ruffled by the recent move. All's well that ends well.

sleepydrdr Loc: Chattanooga, TN

I, too, am jealous! I haven't seen an owl in our area, though I've heard them. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough. I agree totally with Linda and the others, great detail, wonderful eyes.

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

sleepydrdr wrote:

I, too, am jealous! I haven't seen an owl in our area, though I've heard them. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough. I agree totally with Linda and the others, great detail, wonderful eyes.

When we first moved into our neighborhood about 25yrs ago, there were a couple of very large owls around. Then they were gone. The rumor was that some kid had killed them with a sling shot. Whatever happened they were gone.
While they were around the local bunny population was small, .......over the years they did what rabbits do and now we are infested with them.
Seems the birds of prey have gotten the word!

infocus Loc: Australia

Psergel wrote:

Yesterday a couple of cooper's hawks showed up in my backyard. I went out today to see if they were still hanging around. There weren't but this guy had shown up.
I don't know why these raptors are suddenly finding my backyard so interesting. Hope they don't have eyes on my little dogs.

First grade image Paul. Colour, exposure, composition, detail etc all spot on.

PS and I'll have nightmares about those yellow eyes.

wowbmw Loc: Grant, Colorado

Psergel wrote:

Yesterday a couple of cooper's hawks showed up in my backyard. I went out today to see if they were still hanging around. There weren't but this guy had shown up.
I don't know why these raptors are suddenly finding my backyard so interesting. Hope they don't have eyes on my little dogs.

So nicely rendered! Menacing yet appealing creature.