This old male Snowy Owl springs to life in this spring-time shot. The exposed field in the background bears witness to the early spring's snow melt.

The morning side-light from the right illuminates his underwing and casts a shadow on his head - but I don't mind.

The dynamic pose and lighting for me overwhelms the obligation for the conventional approved lighting desired in bird photography circles.

Also, this bird was hard enough to get close to this winter - so I'm happy to get what I can.

Canon 7D with 500L f4 lens hand-held @ 1/1250, f10, ISO 400. Cropped to de-centre for composition purposes.

Cheers,
Mike