I can't tell you the excitement I felt when I spotted this Great Horned Owl. I love it's eyes! He was definitely looking at me as I was looking at him. I'm feeling very happy today!
Beautiful capture and lucky you!!! I have an owl that lives at the back of my property and has for 14 years. I have NEVER seen him (actually, there are two), I have searched, bought bigger lenses to find him. Once, I thought, BINGO, I found him, zoomed in, took a picture and it turned put to be a giant pinecone. For years, these two talk back and forth early in the morning and wake me up! The least they could do is grace me with their presence and allow me ONE picture?!
Lucky you! I know the feeling! Non-photographers just don't understand the excitement of capturing one of these amazing creatures in the wild! I captured 2 baby barred owls a few years ago and was elated for days!! Perfect shot!