I took Ginger on a short walk yesterday around the neighborhood, leaving my binoculars at home but carrying the camera. As we strolled on the quiet back streets, seeing our usual bird suspects, I heard and saw some Great Crested Flycatchers. I lost them and while searching the trees, came across these two lumps which, once I got my camera on them, were a wonderful surprise – a pair of Barred Owls staring back at me.

Most owls I have seen were pointed out to me by others, either in person or by location description — these are one of the few that I saw on my own. What a great treat.