One afternoon in mid July, I was very fortunate to be able to photograph a Barred Owl family near their nest in Duck Creek Park here on Salt Spring Island thanks to my wildlife photographer friend, who told me about these friendly owls (who let me get very close).
When I arrived in the park, the tranquil rainforest with its venerable, moss-covered maples was filled with beautiful dappled light. And I stood very still to listen carefully for the distinct hissing sound of the two fledglings and eventually, followed a faint voice I heard further along the creek. Suddenly, I caught sight of one of the owls swooping down towards the water under a bridge. I didn’t even have a chance to raise my camera, but was excited to have seen this nocturnal hunter in the middle of the afternoon.
Then, as I was walking along the path back towards the entrance, capturing the lush landscape, the owl in my photo swooped right down in front of me to perch on a log in the creek. I was absolutely mesmerized by his candid gaze — so trusting and so curious.
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