Barred Owl
Like its larger cousin the Great Horned Owl, the Barred Owl is an inhabitant of both urban and rural woodlands.
The Barred Owl preys on a wide variety of small mammals, smaller birds, reptiles and amphibians. Therefore it is well-adapted to just about any forested environment, even in the suburbs of cities.
Like other owls, the Barred Owl will spend hours perched in a spot, watching and listening for prey. Though they usually hunt at night, this one was out in broad daylight.
This owl has a very loud and distinctive call, which some have likened to the phrase, "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you!".
This particular owl seemed completely undisturbed by the photographer as it looked and listened for prey in all directions.
Barred Owl portrait
As with all owls, the Barred Owl has a prominent facial disk which helps to pick up and concentrate the faintest sounds, such as mice rustling around under bush or even in their burrows.
Sensing prey?
The owl is beginning to sense something off to my left.
Laser focus
All of the owl's senses are now focused on its potential prey!
Repositioned for attack
The owl has now moved to a small tree apparently right over its intended prey.
Dive!
In a split second, the owl decides it must make its move and swoop down silently on its victim.
The owl begins to launch itself off the tree limb.
The owl finally makes its move and heads straight toward the ground and its hapless victim. Unfortunately for me, the prey was behind some bushes and I was unable to see the actual attack.
Mission accomplished
Moments later, this very skilled hunter has moved to a large tree nearby. It has killed its prey with its long, sharp talons and is preparing to swallow it whole.
Eating is a lot of work...
As I did not see the attack, I was unable to determine what species of rodent this owl had caught. From its size, it appears to be a rat.
Maybe I should have gotten the junior burger...
The owl was bobbing its head up and down quickly as it attempted to ingest the entire rodent. Not an easy task with something this large.
Owls generally ingest their prey whole. After digestion, the owls eject what is known as an 'owl pellet', containing the undigested bones and fur. These pellets can often be found under and around trees frequented by owls.
Open wide!
The owl opens its beak as wide as possible while tossing it's head back to swallow. This reminds me a bit of eating a sandwich far too large for my mouth...
Almost there...
Bottoms up
