Photographed in a spot I had never seen an owl before. It’s perfect for them actually, and we have commented on having never seeing an Owl there.
Bad angle and light. But it’s an Owl so the rules get bent a little.
ACE Basin, South Carolina.
Unexpected Owl
Barred Owl. Not a bad shot at all.
😀, thanks. We have plenty around here. Great Horned too, but they are shy.
We’ve had lots of Barred too. Last year they were behaving kind of add in that they spent a lot of time on the ground and weren’t flying off as quickly when approached.
That is not good. Unfortunately my first thought is eating rodents that have been infected by poison. Coastal South Carolina is a constant battleground between development and environment, that being one of the problems.
Although lots were seen not many were found dead so it may have been something else…or maybe they were developing a tolerance for poison.
Sad to say the rat poison used today is deadly, with no tolerance. Could be they are catching small prey. Owls, like raptors, stand on their prey for long periods.
I love this photo of the Barred. He looks so regal sitting there. I love their call so beautiful. My husband can make that sound and they will call back. Beautiful. Love Joni
If you look close you will see this is a young bird. It still has some of the ‘fluffy’ face feathers. Thanks.
Oh that is interesting my husband and I were studying the photo and looking at the cropping of feathers. I didn’t know this thank you so much. Love ❤️ J
They have thick, almost down, around their face for the first 6 months or so. This one was probably right about to be a full adult, maybe 7 months.
Wow what a spot and fantastic photo. Beautiful bird!
These swamps have many Crayfish, a favorite of Barred Owls.