I was especially thrilled to photograph young Barred Owls yesterday at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. There were two of them hanging out in some willows.
Young Barred Owl perched in a willow tree – Nikon D500, f11, 1/320, ISO 1600, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On my last trip to the refuge, I didn’t see a single Barred Owl. The trip there yesterday more than made up for that. I figured that most of the young Barred Owls at the refuge were older, on their own, and staying well away from the roadsides which meant these two were a surprise.
Young Barred Owl in summer – Nikon D500, f11, 1/320, ISO 1600, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The light was nice, the branches were far enough away from the majority of the willow leaves so they weren’t terribly distracting, and the young owls gave me time to focus on them.
Young Barred Owl on a hot summer morning – Nikon D500, f11, 1/400, ISO 1600, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These last two photos are sequential and one frame apart. I couldn’t decide whether I liked a vertical presentation of the young Barred Owl more than a horizontal presentation and decided to share one of each.
And why not?
Immature Barred Owl perched in an old willow tree – Nikon D500, f11, 1/400, ISO 1600, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The young Barred Owls didn’t stick around for long. I’m happy with most of the photos I took. These owls made me smile.
Even though I missed my mother a lot yesterday, thought of her often, and wished I could have shared these young owls with her over the phone, I know she would have been happy for me. She always was.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Barred Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
Interesting pics. Lots of textures to look at. Was the Barn Owl wet from bathing or scruffy looking because he was young? Thanks Mia.
It’s as if he’s saying ” Now, what could you possibly want from me”
Makes me happy too. You can never take too many photos because in one second the scene can change!
Beautiful work, Mia.
Beautiful photos. Is the owl wet from bathing or dew and humidity? I hope you have happy memories foremost of your mother, she will always be with you.
Oh, wow. That’s amazing!
Thank you. I adore owls, and am so grateful to see photos of these beauties.