My first picture of a Barred Owl was from a long distance at Orlando Wetlands in February 2023. It got spooked by an Turkey Vulture and flew away. The next encounter was more up-close-and-personal.
I was arriving the Wetlands just after sunrise, and sitting on top of a sign for the park was a sleeping Barred Owl. Only about 10 feet away from it, I stopped to take a few pictures – but let the bird get its rest. Several hours later, as I was leaving, I spotted the owl again near the sign, but this time it was sitting in a nearby tree. I was able to get some nice photos of the owl, which was now awake.
Barred Owls, like other owls, are nocturnal, so it’s not often you can get pictures of them in the daylight. My photos of them have come near sunrise or early in the morning. And even though you might not be able to see them, you can certainly hear them with their hooting when the sun goes down.
Here are some of my favorite photos of Barred Owls since I started taking pictures in January 2023.
It’s like you can almost hear him snoring. Just after sunrise, this Barred Owl is sleeping while perched on a sign near the entrance to Orlando Wetlands Park in May 2023.A Barred Owl at Orlando Wetlands Park in May 2023.A Barred Owl at Orlando Wetlands Park in May 2023. You can see my white SUV reflected in the owl’s eyes.Barred Owl, Orlando Wetlands, May 2023.A Barred Owl is ready to take off from its limb at the Orlando Wetlands in September 2023.A Barred Owl gets ready to take flight at the Orlando Wetlands in September 2023.A Barred Owl takes off from its perch at the Orlando Wetlands and heads deeper into a forest in September 2023.Barred Owl on morning rodent patrol, Orlando Wetlands, April 2024.Barred Owl, Orlando Wetlands, April 2024.Barred Owl owlet, Orlando Wetlands, April 2024.Barred Owl owlet, Orlando Wetlands, April 2024.Barred Owl owlets, Orlando Wetlands, April 2024.Barred Owls, Mead Garden in Winter Park, April 2024. It’s like they are saying grace before dinner.
