Much to my surprise, this mature Barred Owl let me approach very close, about 30 feet.

A beautiful picture of this owl well set in its natural environment, excellent lighting, ciao Giangiorgio

Hi Giangiorgio, thank you very much for your observation and compliment, ciao Charles.

Hi Charles,

 

wonderful capture! It is surprising indeed that you could get so close to the owl. Your use of flash is well dosed; it doesn't show in any other way than an added highlight in the eye. Composition and framing are appealing, very nice work! Kind regards, Vincent

I agree with Giangiorgio.

Vincent, thanks as always for your continued support. Barred owls are quite common in this area but getting close to one is almost impossible at least in my experience. As I slowly stepped closer and closer, and with the bird keeping tabs on me of course but remaining perched, I kept thinking to myself, can't believe my luck! Finally, something in the distance caught it's attention. After glaring at it for a minute or two, he/she took off in that direction.

Frieder, thank you for your support, much appreciated. Regards, Charles.