Remember that foggy morning at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge where I managed to photograph a Barred Owl? (Check out “Barred Owl on a Foggy Morning” if you missed it!) Well, this past Saturday, I found myself drawn back to the same area, hoping for another encounter with this magnificent bird. This time, the fog had thankfully cleared, but what it lacked in atmosphere, it made up for in closeness! The Barred Owl perched much lower this time, right by the west side of the road on the S-curve of the auto-tour route (west of the 4-corners intersection).
Now, the owl initially wasn’t on the ideal side for photography – it was on the east. But being an avid wildlife photographer, I know patience is key. So, I parked my truck and waited, hoping (maybe even coaxing a little with silent pleas) for it to make the short hop across the road. Thankfully, after nearly an hour, my persistence paid off! The Barred Owl finally took flight and landed right where I needed it – on the west side, bathed in beautiful sunlight. With this perfect position, I was able to capture the close-up you see today. What a rewarding experience it was to see this owl again, and to get an even better look at its stunning features. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little patience and determination can lead to truly amazing wildlife photography encounters.