My Owl Encounter

[Loupey]

So this morning I'm hiking to the spot where I spotted the Pileated Woodpecker last week. The tree canopy has nearly doubled in density since last week and I could not find the woodpecker. As soon as I turn around to head back, I saw a large brief shadow out of the corner of my eyes. Thinking it might be the woodpecker, I immediately start my patented spin maneuver trying to spot any movement through the trees. As I'm spinning, I see a part of one large wing of an approaching bird behind a large tree about 20 feet away. As I'm lifting the camera to my eye, I'm thinking it is a hawk. Then, it pops out from behind the tree to give me an eye (#1). Just enough time to squeeze out 3 frames before it took off.

I thought that was it until it landed in a tree 40' opposite me and about 40' up. Anything beyond 45-degrees is very tough to hold.

These are all uncropped. Image #2 is with the 300mm alone, all others with the 2x TC.

[Jaedon]

Wow Loupey. What a beautiful bird. I love #3 with the pose. It looks like hes pointing and laughing at you lol. Way to make the best of an opportunity.

[Copy_Kot]

I'll take one of number three poster size please

Outstanding Loupey! I'm very envious.

[Knight]

Like Copy # 3 is Awsome Owl licking or washing his feet is priceless The rest are Superb . Guess im gonna have to get off the roads and take some walk`s in the bush

[paulnj]

Barred owls are very cool and these are some great images. I found (heard) five of them around 2-3am yesterday while birding

[Bevb]

Super find Loupey and i agree the one in image 3 is definately having a giggle! these birds are fantastic.

[Loupey]

Thanks, everyone for looking and commenting!

Here's another one. Say, is it possible for a bird to give me the, well you know

[Bevb]

Lol! that brilliant looks like hes wiping the tears away now.

[readingr]

Loupey,

These made my day. So many interpretations of what the owl is trying to tell you. Nice series

Roger

[drg]

He could be rubbing his eye because he's tired, after all it lis his evening.

Great owl photos!

I'm envious as I've been chasing a few of these for about a year as time permits. There's a stretch of woods I travel through regularly to and fro that I see owls fliting along but haven't been fortunate or skillful enough in my timing to catch them.

[Yarrow]

Gorgious Loupey!

[Dylan8i]

beautiful, such a good background to.

[payn817]

Nice series Loupey. Perhaps he is getting tired of the paparazzi.