The barred owl is the one species of owl that I had previously seen in the wild growing up. It is fairly common around here and it came as no surprise to me that of the seven different owl species on the list, this was the first to be found and photographed.

Most active during the night, I had the good fortune of finding one in the early morning with some great soft light painting the scene. It was perched on a branch on the edge of the wood line, scanning for its next meal below. Once I saw it, I immediately veered off course in order to give it plenty of room. Although it did not swoop down on the hunt during my time there, enjoyed watching it for the next few minutes before it winged off deeper into the woods.

Barred owls are one of the bird species that do not migrate. As such, it is likely to see the same bird or pair several times over the years. They mainly nest in tree hollows or occasionally the old nests of hawks. They have a very interesting call that can be remembered by the phrase, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” Their hoot reminds me a bit of a frog’s croaking - if the frog was using auto tune.