I was very happy to spot this spring Barred Owl adult yesterday near the end of my visit to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Very happy indeed.
Spring Barred Owl adult in a leafy tree – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/100, ISO 800, +0.3 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
After not seeing many Barred Owls at the refuge over the winter, it feels great to be seeing them regularly again.
I often hear Barred Owls at night and sometimes even during the day. Finding them at the refuge can be a challenge, but I enjoy seeing and photographing them whenever I can.
This adult Barred Owl was perched in a leafy tree in low light, but I loved the lush setting. The fact that these are woodland owls is evident in my photos.
Barred Owls are forest birds and tend to occur in mature forests, because they need large, dead trees for nest sites.
Barred Owl adult in spring – Canon R7, handheld, f11, 1/100, ISO 800, +0.3 EV, Canon RF 800mm, natural light
When I took this second Barred Owl image, the owl had turned its head because a dump truck full of gravel had just gone by. I liked having a different head angle in this series of photos of the owl.
Barred Owls are year-round residents at the refuge, and I find them in several spots throughout the forest there. I tend to look for them low to the ground, high in the trees, and anywhere in between.
Photographing these owls in low light conditions requires a steady hand or some form of bracing, such as using a tripod or a beanbag. I was handholding when I took these photos because I was on foot.
I’m delighted to have Barred Owls back in my life!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Barred Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a gorgeous owl! The detail is wonderful and the background setting is perfect. Low light does not seem to affect the quality of your shots at all. They are always good. Thanks Mia.
Hi Mia, I just love them!
I would be more than happy to see any owl. Ecstatic would probably be a better word.
I would like to receive your daily posts. How do I sign up ? I used to receive them but then they stopped. I love your photograohy, stories and your lifestyle.