Sandy photographed this barred owl on the same day it was seen by several other people. Along with great horned owls, this species is relatively common and often seen, especially in winter. It is largely diurnal, unlike many owls, and often sits in the open in deciduous trees, rather than hiding away in conifers (though it will certainly spend time in those too). We've had a barred owl at the FWG every year for some years, and prior to that there were reports of this species in the Arboretum and on the farm.