Dean M. Chriss
Photography
Barred Owl at Sunrise

Barred Owl at Sunrise

(Click image to enlarge)

I happened upon this barred owl (Strix varia) one morning at sunrise. The highlights seen in the owl's eyes are actually the reflected image of the sun on the horizon. The barred owl is common in the eastern United States but is sometimes found across Canada and in the Pacific Northwest where it competes with the similar looking but endangered spotted owl. The Barred Owl is the only owl in the eastern United States that has dark brown eyes. Adult Barred Owls are 16–25 inches (40–63 cm) long with a 38–49 inches (96–125 cm) wingspan. They are most often found in deciduous or mixed woods in the southeast but in the north they may be found in mature coniferous trees. They favor dense woods with scattered clearings, especially those in low-lying and swampy areas.