Answer still too fast.Boreal (Tengmalm's) for me. It has spots rather than streaks on the crown.
Oh dear. Same pic. Barred Owl. :-O :-O :-O
I don't see why not - the twig (and lichens on it) is consistent with other twigs in the pic, some of which are directly connected to the trunk. The tree is a Scots Pine, so it is more likely a Tengmalm's Owl [Aegolius funereus funereus] in Europe rather than a Boreal Owl [A. f. richardsoni] in N America (though as Scots Pine is locally naturalised in N America, Boreal can't be completely ruled out).I suspect the owl was not actually photographed in front of that tree.
My first impression was that it was a doctored photo and a possible composite. The uniform shadowless lighting on the bird looks as though it was highlighted with flash which contrasts with the overall (Soft possibly Dawn/dusk) background lighting which is undoubtedly originating from the left of the picture....it justs strikes me as being 'Not-quite-right?'........'Unatural'
I could be totally wrong....and my appologies if I am ....but that's just how it strikes me!
I suspect the owl was not actually photographed in front of that tree.
I didn't have this idea but after this small debate hear I looked again. I really wonder how the bird can sit on that twig without grabbing it properly. Shouldn't the toes be visible? Could be a really skillfully done collage indeed. Once more an example to not just trust what you believe to be proven by a photo from the internet. Strange...
I didn't have this idea but after this small debate hear I looked again. I really wonder how the bird can sit on that twig without grabbing it properly. Shouldn't the toes be visible? Could be a really skillfully done collage indeed. Once more an example to not just trust what you believe to be proven by a photo from the internet. Strange...