The optimal path, black and white. The owl, in its placid finery, is a revelation. And what a wonderful balance found in the owl and attending tree. Not really stark, but beautiful in a stark way. Yeah, stunning.
this has a mood. it is a coherent piece of art. The texture of the owl seems to have blown apart and formed the texture of the tree he is perched on. The black and white processing is essential to this effect. Well done.