A new spot for Owls. At least for me, probably not him.
A side trail behind some swamp areas usually reserved for small warblers has been invaded by this Barred Owl. Maybe he came to visit the Warblers too.
With lots of thick branches and Spanish Moss an Owl can rest here, hide, and wait for some type of opportunity.
Barred Owls hunt by dropping down, or silent gliding, to prey from above. Most times prey is pinned to the ground for some time before the Owl flies off. Barred Owls here prefer Crayfish, and people don’t seem to get as queasy about the hunting routine for them. I know I don’t. They’re called ‘mud bugs’ for a reason.
Adult Barred Owl, Charleston, South Carolina.
What a special sleepy Owl you found! Incredibly beautiful photos!
Thanks so much. This was a spot that didn’t offer any options on getting a better angle. Absolutely no room to leave the trail. Swamp water… and the thingies that live there is all around.