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Camouflaged high in the top of a cedar tree sits a large Barred Owl

Strix Varia, Barred Owl

Family: Strigidae

We spotted this big guy late one evening as it flew high into a pecan tree in our back yard just above an outdoor flood light.
The owl landed on a branch that was a tad too small which almost made the owl fall when the branch broke from his weight, he immediately flew and landed on a gate. He sat there stunned for a while and maybe half blinded by the flood light that was now above him.

The noise his large wings made flapping in the air would have made anyone within hearing range stand up and take notice.

I watched as he landed on the gate amazed at how large this beautiful creature was, measuring approximately 19-20 inches tall. I wanted to get my camera but was afraid to leave in fear he would be gone when I returned, so I watched quietly as he made himself comfortable on the gate.

Suddenly he noticed our goldfish pond, taking note of it by turning his head from side to side, up and down while focusing his eyes on the fish swimming nervously from one end of the pond to the other .

The fish seem to know they were in imminent danger and was frantically hunting for a safe place to hide. I watched the owl as he watched the fish, I slowly walked toward the owl and to my amazement he did not fly away, but sat there with the bright light shining in his eyes, I assumed he could not see very well as I slowly made my way toward him.

Suddenly I realized I had time to grab my camera, I snapped picture after picture of this beautiful bird, even the flash from the camera did not seem to bother him, I'm sure he must have been blinded by the bright light of the flood lights.

I must have watched him for over and hour, when finally he flew into the large cedar tree. I was amazed to see how well he blended in with the color and markings on the tree as you can see. I was in awe of this magnificent bird, as he seemed to appear larger than life.

After a while he moved on to better hunting grounds. I was glad to have witnessed such a wonderful experience, and I'm sure my fish
was glad he was gone.

About the Barred Owl

Desc:	A large, stocky, dark-eyed owl, Gray-brown, with cross barring on neck and breast and streaks on belly; No ear tufts.

Size:	20" (51cm) Wing Span 3' 8" (1.1..m)

Habitat:	Low, wet woods and swampy forests.

Nesting:	Laying 2-4 white eggs in an unlined cavity in a hollow tree or (rarely) in an abandoned building; sometimes in an old crow's nest.

Range:	Breeds from British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia south to northern California and throughout the East to Texas and Florida. In recent years, the owl has been expanding its range in Washington, Oregon, and California.

Voice:	A loud barking hoo, hoo, hoo-hoo; hoo, hoo; hoo, hooo-aw! and a variety of other barking calls and screams.

Food:	It emerges at night to feed on rodents, birds, frogs, and crayfish

The owl is most often seen by those who seek it out in its dark retreat,
usually a thick grove of trees in low land forest.
There it rests quietly during the day.
It sometimes calls in the day time and if disturbed
will fly easily from one grove of trees to another.

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