Barred Owl (Owlet)
Strix Varia
This very large Barred Owlet emerged from a tree cavity next to our house about 15 minutes prior to the making of this image. This was its first look at the world outside of the nest in which it was born. Branching was delayed longer than usual because the owlet had to deal with red-shouldered hawks who were protecting their own new offspring about 40 feet from the owl's nest.
Barred Owl (Owlet)
Strix Varia
This very large Barred Owlet emerged from a tree cavity next to our house about 15 minutes prior to the making of this image. This was its first look at the world outside of the nest in which it was born. Branching was delayed longer than usual because the owlet had to deal with red-shouldered hawks who were protecting their own new offspring about 40 feet from the owl's nest.