While driving down a familiar side street in our town, I noticed something out-of place, and looked again to see what it was. There, on a small branch on the ground, calmly sat an immature Barred Owl. What a nice, unexpected surprise.
“Nature is full for us of seeming inconsistencies and glad surprises.” ~Margaret Barber
walking on a country road 
What an unexpected and welcomed surprise to see this young owl in the open! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca 🙂
It was the highlight of my day. 🙂
Adorable with his heart-shaped face.
Yes, he was. He looked very comfortable sitting there in his peaceful spot.
That is unusual to see? I wonder If It’s injured?
I saw it fly a short distance, so I don’t think so. I’ve looked for it again and haven’t been able to see it, so I’m hoping the best for him.
Did you see anything in its talons? In that case It may have been pinning something it caught?
I didn’t but can’t rule that out.
the reason why I mention it is that Owl’s know they are very vulnerable on the ground. They know they can be attacked. So It must have had a really good reason to be on the ground and the only thing I can think of is that It was killing something?
I’ve seen raptors stand on their victim. They wait it out until It dies.
That’s interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Fabulous!
Thanks, Cindy.
Good eye! They aren’t always good fliers at first, so super vulnerable at this stage. I hope Mom and Pop are looking out for this little guy.
I do too. I did see it fly a short distance to a nearby bush, so hopefully it will be okay.
How cute and what a fun surprise for you Rebecca! I hope to see an owl in the wild one day – so far I’ve only seen one owl that is in the rehab area of one of the metroparks. That owl is very reclusive and hides in the back of its enclosure in a dark area whenever there are people looking at it.
It was a fun encounter. I have seen them occasionally in the wildlife refuge, but never just sitting in a neighborhood.
I can imagine – I would be ecstatic too. Your little owl was the equivalent of my pair of wood ducks. 🙂
Wow! what a great photo and how lucky you are. I have never seen an owl of any kind in person. I hear them sometimes but never see them.
It’s always exciting to encounter one. This was the first immature one that I’ve seen.
What an intense gaze it has!!
Linda xx
It does look quite serious, doesn’t it? I think it was hoping not to be noticed.
Its camo was pretty decent… but those eyes gave it away! Linda xx
🙌🙌🙌
What a wonderful moment. Owlets are always special. I suspect this one was learning how to fly and had just happened to land near the ground.
That’s very possible. It was able to fly some but I’m not sure that its wings were at full strength. It was exciting to see it.