By Sally Siko
Each spring I look forward to seeing the next generation of Barred Owls hiding in the woods. This year I was lucky to receive an invite from my friend Sheri @talktotheplume for Mike and I to come by her place to go check out an active owl nest in a park behind her home in Raleigh NC.
Within just a few minutes of our arrival Sheri located one of the owl parents eyeing us through the trees so we knew the little ones would be close by.
Sure enough about 30 minutes later we spotted a sleepy little owlet sitting in a tree.
We all were using cameras equipped with a zoom lens so it was easy to keep a good distance away without stressing the birds out.
Mike had never seen an owlet before so it was wonderful to spend those moments of discovery with him!
I’m so grateful to Sheri for sharing these owls with us 🙂
Though they’re more commonly spotted in the central and eastern parts of the state, Barred Owls are found year round throughout North Carolina.
They are considered “crepuscular” predators because they are most active during twilight, yet they also may call or hunt during the day, especially on cloudy or dark days.
These guys are expert hunters which prefer wetter areas, such as river basins and swamps to find a meal. You can also find them in large, mature forests with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees.
Aren’t they beautiful?
Btw, give Sheri @talktotheplume a follow.
She’s a talented photographer and a super nice person so you’ll be glad you did!
Photos by @sally_siko of @bestlife_birding on my mighty 50 megapixel monster, the @canonusa #5Ds
I’ve got a ton of fun group birding trips in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine and New Jersey open for booking from now through December.
Check out the calendar below and book your next birding adventure with me today!