Last night, around 9 p.m., I listened to Barred Owl calls. Before Utah birders get excited, I heard those calls courtesy of my niece, Kristal, from Virginia.
The closest Barred Owl sighting I found to Utah was in Pocatello, Idaho, and that sighting was recorded on eBird in 2005.
Young Barred Owl at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, f8, 1/800, ISO 12800, +1.0 EV,Canon Canon RF 100-500 mm at 500m, natural light, not baited
Kristal was outside last night and heard an owl or owls calling. Kristal called me, and together we listened to the calls. Kristal, my sons, and my closest friends know that no matter the time, day or night, they can call me, and I’ll pick up if my phone is turned on. If they are calling with bird-related questions or to share the calls of birds, all the better!
When Kristal turned on her speakerphone, it sounded like the Barred Owl was in my bedroom; the owl or owls were that close to her. We listened, laughed, and oohed and aahed.
I’d heard quite a few Barred Owls calling while I was in Virginia in the spring, and even more of them in Arkansas and Oklahoma before I returned to Utah. I was over-the-moon joyful when I photographed Barred Owls at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge with my dear friend and fellow photographer, Steve Creek. Sharing the Barred Owl calls with him from his deck at night enchanted me.
The photo of the young Barred Owl above was taken on my second trip to Sequoyah NWR with Steve and there was quite the story behind the images I took of this fledgling owl that morning. That story can be read here.
I’m so thrilled that Kristal called last night, and that we were able to share the calls of the Barred Owl or owls. I hadn’t fully realized how much I missed Barred Owls since my move to Utah in 2009 until my trip back East this year. Thanks, Kristal! I love you, always.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Barred Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terrific shot. The eye contact is incredible. Thanks Mia.
Owls are one of my favorites…
The fledgling owl learned an important lesson from its parents. And I really enjoyed your story. Thanks for sharing so much to those of us who can’t get out there anymore…
A beautiful bird – and an exciting experience. I love the image of you and your family I have exulting in their calls.
Mia, I’ve never seen one before, beautiful Owl and a great picture! Nice chatting with you this morning!
I keep hearing their calls from the forest around our home, but so far have not seen or photographed one locally. Coincidentally, early this year our son and family visited us from Texas. They occupied a front room in the house and at about 6:00 AM my son recorded the calls of a Barred Owl right next to their window. It only intensified my “owl envy.”