I have had several awe inspiring visual experiences with Barred Owls and many a night serenaded by their haunting and distinct calls.
On misty nights where I used to live 5 years ago, I'd often see a visitor sitting on a fencepost. His head would seemingly snap instantly so that he could focus on the slightest sounds in the yard or shrubbery. I was never able to ascertain the objects of his interest, but I suspect it was moles tunneling while the ground was soft.
One night I decided to see just how close he would allow me to approach before the little spook got spooked. Yet, to my utter amazement I reached a distance just outside of arms reach when it was I that was too spooked to advance further. Even then he gave me no more than a third of his attention before the head would snap to lock-on to another potential target. However, when his head would finally snap around again, to make note of me, it was chilling. Barred Owl eyes lack an Iris and this seems to exaggerate their already great size, and the black voids are both wonderful and somehow horrifying to behold.
LOL, I almost expected him to quote Nietzsche
This episode of intense interest on the hunt and only casual interest of me lasted maybe five minutes before some sound was too compelling and he flew somewhere beyond the shrubs.
Awesome!
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