Category Archives: Owls

Birds, Charleston, Owls, Swamp, Wildlife

Barred Owl, In The Dark

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We were in this swamp for dawn. It never happened, the sun itself never happened. This was a day before the hurricane and it was weird already.

Swamps are hot and wet, that’s a given. However we couldn’t look through the lens there was so much humidity. I kept a cloth and paper towel in my hand.  Now the scene is set LOL.

I was walking to meet up with Ellen, we were getting out because the thunder was getting close. Turning to look back I noticed the bump / stump that had been in my path. I didn’t remember it so I watched for a minute.

The bump spread his wings and lift up into the big Live Oaks.

Barred Owl, In The Dark
Barred Owl, In The Dark

Above, the bump and I looked at each other right before he pushed off further in the oaks.

Note; around here you always stop and look at ‘football’ shaped bumps. Usually in trees though.

Birds, Marsh, Owls, Swamp, Wildlife

Tiny But Mighty, Screech Owl

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This is a Rufous (brown) morph Eastern Screech Owl. There is also a grey morph but he hasn’t shown up yet. Males claim the holes, the female will inspect it and might move in.

They are small and agile, and about 7 to 10 inches tall and have a wingspan around 18 to 24 inches. We knew he was around but some friends we travel with pointed him out yesterday. This bird is invisible. These shots were as close as we would go, they live here, we just visit.

Tiny But Mighty, Screech Owl
Tiny But Mighty, Screech Owl
Tiny But Mighty, Screech Owl
Tiny But Mighty, Screech Owl

He did what all Screech Owls do, opened one eye to check us out. I have never seen a Screech Owl do anything other than that.

Tiny But Mighty, Screech Owl
Tiny But Mighty, Screech Owl

ACE Basin has four types of owls;

  • Screech Owl
  • Barred Owl
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Barn Owl

 

Birds, Marsh, Owls, Swamp, Wide Photographs, Wildlife

Sleeping In Spanish Moss, Owl

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It’s hard to see the shot and know how much better it could be with just a little different angle.

There’s a reason he likes to sleep here, in the middle of swamp water. Nobody will bother him.

Sleeping In Spanish Moss, Owl
Sleeping In Spanish Moss, Owl

I took the shot and moved on.

Barred Owl, Charleston, South Carolina.

Birds, Charleston, Marsh, Owls, Swamp, Wildlife

Barred Owl Near A Rookery

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One of the locals in his spot.

He was clearly awake and watching the swamp below. He would be happy to see a Bull Frog but most likely it is the Crayfish he wants.

Barred Owl Near A Rookery
Barred Owl Near A Rookery
Barred Owl Near A Rookery
Barred Owl Near A Rookery

He likes to sit on the side of this trail so it’s worth the walk… just never forget a full body bug spray treatment first.

Birds, Marsh, Owls, Swamp, Wildlife

Young Barred Owl

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When I first looked at the owl shots from the other day the angle and missing head feather details struck me. I deleted most and held a few aside to review.

After another walk through I had one of those ‘good grief’ moments.

Of course the feathers were off… they are not true feathers. This bird still has some facial down, baby fuzzy.

Young Barred Owl
Young Barred Owl

There are several active Owl nesting spots nearby. This bird probably came from one of them.