Check out the EXIF data: 1/20s at f/4 and 200 ISO is pretty dim
It also needed a body posture resembling one of those yoga positions with unpronounceable names to get a clear view between the leaves of the bush in front and the branch on the left. To make matters easier, there was a large family talking Italian at the top of their voices approaching. When they spotted the owl there was a gleeful chorus of hoots
I straightened myself slowly, gave them my best schoolmaster scowl and growl (more fun than a walk and talk ) and departed.
