Witnessing Barred Owl Affection

With my trusty camera at the ready, I was slowly cruising the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, alongside my photographer friend Mia. This area is known for Barred Owl sightings, and we were both eager to photograph these elusive creatures.

Suddenly, a Barred Owl swooped down and landed right next to the truck, on my side! I wasted no time and started photographing this magnificent bird from inside my truck. Luckily, Mia had a clear shot from the opposite side of the truck. She carefully exited the vehicle, and soon we were both documenting this incredible encounter.

But the excitement wasn’t over yet! Just moments later, another Barred Owl joined the first! This is where things get truly special. One owl, likely the male, based on the typical size difference where females are larger, began a dedicated grooming session on the other. Witnessing this act of avian affection firsthand was amazing, similar to a pair I photographed for a Valentine’s Day post.

I managed to get several photos and also a short video.

Barred Owls are known for their monogamous relationships. They form strong pair bonds, working together to defend their territory and raise their young. And guess what’s a key part of this partnership? The male diligently groomed the female’s feathers! This not only helps keep her plumage in top shape, but it’s also considered a tender gesture of care and affection between mates.

Here is a link to Mia’s blog post in reference to these two owls: Barred Owls Side By Side Plus A Short Video Of Them