Pic of the Day

Barred Owl, Strix Varia: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Florida:

     This image goes all the back to around the spring of 1989 or 1990, and yes it was shot on film.  The sentinel of the south, the Barred Owl is perhaps the most common owl found in southern swamps and forest.  Its “who – who – who cooks for you” call, heard in the evening twilight is synonymous with southern nights.

     I had long sought the opportunity to photograph this iconic bird and got the opportunity in Corkscrew Swamp, an Audubon Society sanctuary east of Naples, Florida.  Barred owls are common in the sanctuary and I had seen owls in the swamp for many years, but they were always far from the boardwalk and inaccessible as photo subjects. 

     On one trip I was fortunate to find a Barred Owl perched on a limb no more than 20 feet from the boardwalk.  It was at the perfect distance from my lens.  The owl was patient with me as I hastily set-up my tripod and began to shoot.  The owl must have enjoyed the attention, fore it perched on the limb for half an hour while I put roll-after-roll of film through the camera.

Nikon F4, 500mm f/4 Nikkor, Kodachorme 64