Barred owl

In March 2024 I went to Calgary in Canada for a weeks Owl Photography.  Great Grey’s were the main target but I was lucky enough to see a few other species as well.  My full trip report can be found here.

This Barred Owl was roosting just tucked away from the road and I was able to get a few different compositions before quietly moving on and leaving him in peace. Can you spot him sat behind me in this selfie?

The barred owl (Strix varia) is a large North American species of owl. These nocturnal birds are known for their unique vocalizations that can carry over 0.8 km (0.50 mi). They have typical nesting habits, often raising a small brood in tree hollows or snags within forested areas. Barred owls are brown to gray overall, with dark striping on the underside. They primarily feed on small mammals but are opportunistic predators, preying on birds, reptiles, amphibians, and various invertebrates.