I've been really frustrated with my new birding lens because the focusing doesn't work well. I kept attributing it to user error, steep learning curve, etc. but finally the camera store is taking the lens back and giving me a new one. Sadly, not in time for this shot. It's challenging enough to try to photograph an owl in the dark. But even a bad shot of a short-eared owl flying is still memorable!
Amazing you were able to capture this in the dark with a faulty lens. Glad the camera store is giving you a new lens. I'm impressed that you HAVE a camera store. We used to have 2, but they both closed. Miss them.