July 16, 2026:
Backyard Barred Owlets:
On the evening of July 2nd, two of “our” three Barred Owlets spent a few hours hanging out on the railing of our backyard deck.
Like many recent evenings, it was quite hot!
Overheated, the owlets displayed heat dissipating behavior, primarily gular fluttering.
In addition, one of the two owlets lay prone for an extended period of time, a heat dissipating behavior known as “splooting.”
This posture placed the owlet in a somewhat vulnerable position.
By “splooting,” the owlet indicated that it felt safe, and not threatened!
The third Barred Owlet briefly flew over to join the other two.
It brought a cicada for a sibling to consume. (Check out the 6th image in the series.)
Here are several of my favorite images from this recent evening that I spent observing and photographing the Barred Owlets.
Enjoy!
July 13, 2026:
Backyard Barred Owls:
Here are several images of “our” backyard Barred Owls from July 1-2, 2026:
Nine photos of the Barred Owlets; and one shot of Mama or Papa Barred Owl.
Enjoy!
July 9, 2026:
Backyard Barred Owlets:
We’ve had a Barred Owl box in our backyard for the past decade or so.
Most years, we’ve been lucky enough to have had successful nestings in the box!
Typically, we’ve had two owlets fledge each year.
Occasionally, there has just been one.
This year, however, for the first time we’ve had three Barred Owlets successfully fledge!
In general, since they’ve left the box, these owlets have been very good at hiding in our tree canopy.
For some reason, for several days last week, the three owlets were readily visible, and close by!
They were also quite curious and apparently unafraid!
As a result, they allowed me to have numerous photographic opportunities!
Here are a few of my favorite images of the three Barred Owlets from the evening of June 30th.
Enjoy!
