Two days ago I was thrilled to take early morning Barred Owl portraits at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in east central Oklahoma with my friend Steve Creek. Rosie, Steve’s dog, was snoring away in her crate in the back seat.

Early morning adult Barred Owl portrait, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaEarly morning adult Barred Owl portrait – Nikon D500, hand held, f6.3, 1/160, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited or called in

When I visited Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge last spring, I took photos of this owl species but didn’t get close-up portraits of the adults.

I was both thrilled and delighted to take these Barred Owl photos. The owl was so close to the edge of the road all I could do was take close-up images of the bird.

In Utah, I did not see, hear, or photograph Barred Owls.

Adult Barred Owl portrait at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaAdult Barred Owl portrait at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Nikon D500, hand held, f6.3, 1/125, ISO 1250, +1.0, EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited or called in

I adore the dark, ebony-colored eyes of this owl species. For me, when I look into their eyes, I feel like I am looking into eternity.

Bright morning light adult Barred Owl close up, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaBright morning light adult Barred Owl close up – Nikon D500, hand held, f6.3, 1/80, ISO 1250, +1.3, EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited or called in

I know that these three Barred Owl photos aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. As I have mentioned before, though, I take photos for myself, and I quite like these photos. I took more images of Barred Owls yesterday, but those photos will be shared another day.

I’m really giving my camera gear quite the workout here, whether I’m in the field or sitting on Steve’s deck, overlooking his very birdy Arkansas yard and garden. I’m in bird and wildlife paradise y’all.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Barred Owl photos.