Barred Owl 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This beautiful yet fiercely territorial owl has sparked controversy in the Pacific Northwest. Native to the eastern United States, the Barred Owl has moved into the old-growth coniferous forests of Washington and Oregon, competing with the threatened Spotted Owl. It isn't often a Barred Owl will let a person near enough for a close-up, but I guess this one was feeling particularly generous the afternoon we visited the sanctuary. Thank you wise old owl.  

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Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary

Everett, Washington, USA