We often hear the call of a Barred Owl as we walk in the woods of the refuge, but never seem to be in the right place to actually see one. Recently, however, while driving through the refuge, we stopped the car because I wanted to get a photo of a stream running through the woods. As I opened the door to get out, a startled Barred Owl in a nearby tree took flight and landed in another tree a few yards down the road. We had unknowingly stopped in the same place where an owl was sitting. It was a very pleasant surprise.
The Barred Owl with its Razor-sharp Talons.
Barred Owl scrambling up the branch of a tree.
Now you see me, now you don’t.
A stream running through the woods near where the owl sat.
walking on a country road 
Great shots and the lighting was perfect!
Thanks, Eliza! Glad to have had some beautiful sunshine and nice temps that day.
Fabulous shots. You are an amazing photographer, capturing the very essence of the birds and other creatures you photograph.
Thanks Kathy for your kind words! 🙂
What a fun surprise! Nice captures of this beautiful fellow.
Thanks, Ellen! He cooperated nicely. 🙂
What a beautiful owl. Wonderful photos.
Thanks, Timothy! It was quite a treat. I enjoy seeing the owls in your area. I hope you get to see some little ones before long.
I love those surprises, Rebecca. Thank you so much for refreshing my spirit with such beautiful photos of this owl, also of the stream. Love and blessings to you!
Thank you Trudy! Yes, nature’s surprises are the best. Love and blessings to you also!
Great spot and fantastic pictures.
Thanks!
Owls have been on my bird bucket list for a while and I still have never seen one. I still hope one day for an encounter, maybe an unexpected sighting like you have here. These are great pictures – up close and personal and I think in picture #6, he is taunting you to take his photo, then quickly turns away.
Thanks, Linda! Keep looking and listening. You never know when one is going to show up.
OK, I will Rebecca. You know I went all over trying to get a shot of that snowy owl that was near Lake Erie Metropark and Point Mouillee. I will keep looking up and listening for a hoot.
🙂
beauty shots Rebecca! I love owls but very rarely do I see them! Did it do it’s call?
Thanks, Wayne! I think I must have startled him out of an afternoon nap. No, unfortunately it didn’t make any sound. I would have loved to have heard him.
“Who Cooks For You”
I love all these shots. I’ve tried several times to capture the owl around here but so far no luck.
Thanks! It only takes one lucky moment. Keep trying! 🙂