Barred Owl In Snowy Altona Forest

image of a barred owl in snowy Altona Forest in Pickering, Ontario.

Our morning got off to a slow start hunkered down as we were against a cold winter day.  By early afternoon, Bob and I decided that we needed some fresh air and exercise.  We had heard that a Barred Owl sometimes frequents Altona Forest in Pickering, Ontario, but we never expected to actually find it.

image of a frozen pond in snowy Altona Forest in Pickering, Ontario.

At Lacey’s Pond, there was no sign of the beavers that make their home there, but a proliferation of animal tracks created wonderful designs on the snow-covered wetland.

image of bob walking among cedars, in snowy Altona Forest in Pickering, Ontario.

The dense crowns of the Cedar Trees made it difficult for the sun’s rays to penetrate to the forest floor.

image of wintry altona forest, pickering, ontario

Eerie silence met our ears as we strained to hear any telltale sounds of bird or animal activity.

image of a barred owl in snowy Altona Forest in Pickering, Ontario.

As usual, I was leading the way.  It is a benefit to me because Bob’s height blocks my view of the trail if I’m bringing up the rear.  Despite looking carefully, I walked right beneath this Barred Owl without noticing it perched a mere 15 feet above me.

image of a barred owl in snowy Altona Forest in Pickering, Ontario.

Bob subtly got my attention, and as I turned, the Barred Owl’s eyes met mine.

image of jean in snowy Altona Forest in Pickering, Ontario.

For a closer look, I grabbed my binoculars then retreated a fair distance.  I didn’t want to spook the owl.

image of a barred owl in snowy Altona Forest in Pickering, Ontario.

Another equally large tree was within steps, so I slid behind the ample trunk and allowed only my camera lens to poke out at the side of the tree.

image of a barred owl in a snowy forest, pickering, ontario

A Barred Owl’s large dark brown eyes are an indication that this species prefers to hunt at night.  The owl’s eyes appear blue in this photo because of the way light is reflected in them.

image of a barred owl in a snowy forest, pickering, ontario

Bob and I lingered for only a few minutes so that the Barred Owl would not feel threatened.

image of a sleepy barred owl in a snowy forest, pickering, ontario

In fact, the Barred Owl looked like it was settling in for a snooze by the time that we walked on.

image of halo around the sun, altona forest, pickering, ontario

Judging by the sun’s halo, Bob and I figured bad weather was lurking.  All the more reason to let the Barred Owl muster its energy for the evening’s hunt ahead of a serious snowfall.

Related:

Snowy Owls on Amherst Island in Ontario

Barred Owl In Wintry Rouge National Urban Park

Great Grey Owl we sighted near Ottawa in Ontario

Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean

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