Spring Barred Owl at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaSpring Barred Owl at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, beanbag, f8, 1/2000, ISO 1250, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

Two days ago my dear friend Steve Creek called me while I was at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge to let me know about a Barred Owl that was out in the open. I wasn’t very far from the owl. In fact, Steve saw me down the road, maybe two city blocks away.

I was able to drive past where Steve was in his pickup, turn around, and drive back so I could photograph the owl in good light from the driver’s side of my Jeep.

The adult Barred Owl was looking around, possibly for prey to bring to their young, because it is nesting season and the owl’s nest is nearby.

Barred Owl adult during nesting season at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaBarred Owl adult during nesting season at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, beanbag, f8, 1/1600, ISO 1250, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

At that point, I noticed another car coming down the road. So, I moved ahead of Steve’s pickup, parked, and took a few more photos of the Barred Owl before it flew across the road. The adult owl had a good view of their nest from where they landed.

Usually, at least once a year, I write about nesting ethics. I figured this was a great day to do that because owls can be disturbed at their nests, especially if quite a few people know where the nest is.

Ethics on photographing nesting birds and chicks:

  • Do not approach too closely
  • If the birds show any sign of distress, back away
  • Playback can stress adults, pull them away from the nest, and trigger defensive or territorial behavior. During nesting, that distraction can mean less time guarding eggs or chicks or feeding young
  • Follow local, state and federal guidelines concerning nesting birds
  • Don’t harass the birds to get an action shot
  • Don’t stay a long time with nesting birds or chicks, that disrupts their normal behavior
  • Always remember that your scent may draw predators to the area of nesting birds or birds with chicks.

For more information on the ethics of photographing nesting birds or chicks check out the Principles of Birding Ethics published by the American Birding Association.

Stressing owls, or any nesting birds, can reduce nesting success. Be cautious. The photos or videos are never ever as important as the subjects health, well being, and comfort.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Barred Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.