Dark-eyed owl looks for prey

Distributed throughout the eastern half of the U.S., north and into a large swath of Canada, the Barred Owl is one of only two North American owls that have dark eyes. The most noted predatory threat to a barred owl is its larger cousin the Great Horned Owl. Both these owls can be found in the same woods, but the barred owl will vacate an area that becomes frequented by a great horned owl.

Adult barred owls grow to no longer than 20 inches and will generally weigh about a pound. With a voice sounding much larger than the bird, he seems to say, "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" Spring turkey gobblers can often be heard answering the barred owl's call with a resounding call of their own.

This mid-sized owl lives in forests or swamp land and although it will use a manufactured nest box, it would rather nest in the den hole of a large tree. This owl will sit on a limb for several minutes looking for prey such as rabbits, mice, small birds, crayfish or even snakes.

All owls have great eyesight and it is virtually impossible to sneak up on one. This one saw me but perceived me as no threat preferring to remain on its limb surveying the area for something to eat. I photographed it while it watched something on the ground that I could not see. Many people believe the owl represents 'wisdom' but I was once told by an Indian friend that the mournful sounding owl call also represents sadness on the wind.