Barred Owl Iconic Wildlife Canvas Print Framed Canvas Bird Photo Ontario Scenery Winter

Oh, a walk in the woods on New Year's Day! It was just one of those brisk afternoons when the snow crunches under your feet and you can see your breath. Being dressed for the occasion is a must and makes for a more enjoyable time outside. If you're comfortable, you can actually look around instead of just at the ground while you're shivering and counting the steps home.

It's not often I go for a power walk, and that's mostly because I take my camera with me. Apparently I stop every 30 feet. That must be an exaggeration....it's likely not less than 50. Well, at least I'm moving! There is so much to see all around, and you never know what will catch your eye. Better to be prepared with my camera than to just walk faster and wish I had it with me. It's all about strategy. And luck. Well, maybe mostly about luck.

It was a pretty nice day, but it was very cold. Again, dressing for the weather is very important, but when you're a photographer the hands take a little more abuse than we would like. It doesn't seem to matter how warm the gloves are, my hands inevitably have to come out at some point and be exposed to the cold. So, selective shooting is the order of the day.

A walk in the neighbourhood usually includes a trip down to the beach. I say "down" because there is a bit of a drop in the terrain of the path between the road and the water's edge. Getting there is fine. Coming back up the hill isn't exactly my favourite. Trudging uphill in the snow wearing winter gear, boots and carrying a camera just enhances the joy. But, getting to the top and back on the road is considered a victory

It's nice to stop and take a little breather when arriving at the road again. Sometimes it's a necessity, mind you. I stopped, had a look around and headed back towards home.

It took only a few steps before I saw something move through the trees to my left. Trying to figure out what kind of bird and where it exactly landed only took a very short time. There, in the trees, sat a Barred Owl looking around for his next meal.

They really aren't skiddish birds, it seems. Patience is a virtue, and spending lots of time sitting in a tree waiting for an opportunity is a well-honed skill for these beautiful creatures. I was able to walk along the road and snap photos from about 30 feet away while it chose a new tree parallel to me. A periodic glance was cast my way, but for the most part he or she was not bothered by my presence.

A look away by this magnificent hunter and then a glance back at me from time to time allowed me the opportunity to continue down the road and gain the advantage of a nice clear shot without branches. I found what was going to likely be my best chance. He was sitting sideways to me, but facing either directly ahead or to his left. I needed to be at least partially as patient as he is, and wait for a look in my direction. Concentrating and having my camera propped up and ready, I watched as he surveyed in opposite directions. And then it happened. Those piercing black eyes looked directly at me. I could feel them practically go through me, and it was quite intimidating. Taking the time to think about the emotion of it all would likely mean an opportunity could be lost. So I released the shutter. And now you can see what I felt.