Barred Owl in Winter

My husband alerted me that a hawk had flew in the back yard and perched upon a branch. I grabbed my camera and noted immediately that it was not a hawk. I was...
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My husband alerted me that a hawk had flew in the back yard and perched upon a branch. I grabbed my camera and noted immediately that it was not a hawk. I was happy to see that it was a barred owl. Amazingly for the last 14 years that we have lived here, not until recently have we spotted owls. Over the years we could hear them calling to each other at the tree line, but never a glimpse. Surprisingly this week I had the opportunity to spot 3 different barred owls in our community. That was amazing. This barred owl had its back to me and I was unable to get closer due to a heavy 2 foot snow pack on the ground. I stood at the corner of our chicken coop hoping for him to turn and look at me. I ended up giving off 2 owl calls and he turned to look at me. I believe there is a pair somewhere behind the house overlooking the wet meadow as I have caught glimpses of what I thought to be a pair. They are truly amazing birds. I was thankful to have gotten this shot.
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