Barred Owl on the Hunt

A couple of days ago, as I was getting the boys home from school, we found my wife standing in the drive way. She made a pointing motion off to our right as we parked. What do ya know? Momma owl was in the yard!



The owl watched the boys as they got out of the van and headed inside but it was still preoccupied with something in the bushes.



Suddenly, it jumped forward, apparently trying to grab something.



We watched it for a bit to see if it would bring some prey item out with it.



Guess it was nothing or perhaps it was after a lizard. We will never know. It soon flew up into the oaks but still focused on the same spot.



An hour or so later, before sundown, I headed back out to see if the owlet was visible. It was still deep in the branches so no shots there. However, who can resist a Barred Owl in perfect late light?



One more shot before dinner.



Love having these photo ops but, man, it keeps me going inside and out way too often. Or not...