I was out walking in my yard one evening last week, looking at what was starting to grow and bloom in our garden. I walked around the corner of my house, and this barred owl, you see in the photo, was perched on top of a screen at the end of my patio, just starring at me. I slowly worked my way back around the corner of the house, and then ran back inside to photograph him through our living room window. It’s amazing to watch him as he sat there. He didn’t see me watch and was focused on looking at something down in the garden, probably a mouse or chipmunk on the ground. Just as I was about to take a photo, he turned his head and looked straight at me. I’m not sure if he saw movement, sensed me, or heard the click of the shutter, but it’s a bit eerie when you look in those dark brown or black eyes.

He did jump down on the ground, but I couldn’t see what he caught. He then flew up into a tree, where there was another barred owl perched on a branch. After a few moments, he flew away, and even though it was getting too dark, I tried to take another shot of him in flight. You can see his blurred silhouette in the photo.

The barred owl is a Native North American owl and the hooting call, which sounds like, who cooks for you, echoes in our urban neighborhood. I hope they find our neighborhood welcoming and place to stay as I love to watch and listen to this very large amazing bird of prey.