Yes, it's very dark and compelling!

Sometimes it gets very challenging to pick with image to lead with when they're all so good. I feel the need to find the one that will entice the most people to click and see the rest of the post. This one just seemed so tempting, and the look on the face is both inviting you in and challenging you to leave. It's an expression I think is very fitting to the overall look of the Sooty, so even if this is the only pic someone took the time to look it, it still gives them a great impression of an owl they aren't likely familiar with.