Who are we? We are our stories.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Bathing Beauties - Barred Owls

Oakwood is a round peninsula, about 40 wooded acres, with 42 houses encircling a park. It is quite "birdy", at least here around 1410. For the past few years we have had a breeding pair of Barred Owls. These were hatched in a nest in neighbor's tree on the east side and after fledging have drifted over here to the more wooded west side. 

Two days ago it was in the 90s and the owls discovered the little pool in our water feature. These photos were taken by both Lorna and me. I was trapped with owls between me and my camera in the Growlery, The bathing photos and most of the tree photos Lorna's.  A big thanks!

Lorna also took a series of photos of one tearing apart a kill and eating it in midday. It was overhead on a large limb so it was difficult to see what it was, but appeared to be fairly large.

It was wonderful. My daughter Addy and her wife Nicole were visiting and got to see part of the show too.

- Gunnar and Lorna 

9 comments:

Unknown said...

It's amazing to see that even though you are fairly well surrounded by water, these little guys choose your little paradise to use as their private spa! Thanks for sharing the GREAT photos. Stay safe and well. Joe Sausen

Gunnar Berg said...

We have fewer ski boats in Oakwood Creek.

jusvelos said...

love the story. what camera was lorna using for these wonderful photos?

Richard in belgium

Gunnar Berg said...

I took the first two and last two with a Nikon D5600 with a Nikkor 200-500mm which is 'old tech' and weighs 5 pounds. Lorna's camera is a D5500 with a much, much lighter Nikkor 55-300mm lens.

Gunnar Berg said...

The 200-500mm was relatively inexpensive, camera/lens under $2000. It is now obsolete, but would take a hellofa picture if you could lift it.

Annie Mattson said...

I love seeing this marvelous wildlife in your backyard.

Redwing said...

How fantastic that these owls came to bathe in your stream.

Sylvan Riparian said...

Hello Gunnar, I enjoyed this blog. Barred owls are good neighbors here up highway 13. You have a greet yard and garden for such visits. 👍🏼

Sylvan Riparian said...

BTW, I like the updated image and layout.