how to take a good picture of an owl?

There is an owl that wperry took a picture of in Red Gate Park. I asked a woman named Emily yesterday where it was and today saw some people looking in that vicinity, and asked them to show me where it is. I took a number of lousy pictures. Part of why this is bad is it is also cropped. I wonder if the lighting is better in the morning. 

They had a scope on a tripod. The picture was amazing, so crisp and clear. 

We are off to a new week. Strength to us all.