A friend alerted me to this owl a while back and I was lucky enough, and patient too, to get it with open eyes. Often they keep their eyes closed during the day, saving their energy for the night hunt I guess. I was pretty happy to get this shot. I hear plenty of owls in our backyard where we are near a wildlife sanctuary but I seldom see them.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Oh, very handsome.
LikeLike
Oh, I am jealous of this shot, Steve! 😉 I have heard this owl in my yard several times in past couple months but I cannot find them. Tonight I am actually going on an “Owl Prowl” at Pickering Creek Audubon not too far from my home to learn more about our area owls and go looking for some. 🙂
LikeLike
You will never hear them flying. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so jealous! We normally have screeches around and one spent one night in our nest box, but I haven’t seen or heard any in weeks. Either the individual came to a bad end, or moved on to another territory.
Great shot, thanks for sharing this cutey!
LikeLike
Wow – great capture, Steve.
LikeLike
Nice! They have such great camouflaged plumage.
LikeLike
Outstanding photograph.
What a wonderful opportunity. Although abundant in many places, most people have never seen a Screech Owl.
LikeLike
My experience matches yours: I hear owls outside our house from time to time but almost never have I seen any of them.
LikeLike
That camouflage is extraordinary. Even though I suspected from your title what I was going to see, it took a moment to find it. To be honest, I’m not certain I could identify the sound of an owl. I need to go on one of our local ‘owl prowls’ when they begin again this year.
LikeLike
Beautiful, Steve. I’m glad your patience paid off. I’m also a little envious. 🙂
LikeLike
Excellent sighting, Steve! I’ve never seen a Screech Owl.
LikeLike
Great Owl image! Enjoyed seeing your owl image!
LikeLike
What a wonderful shot. I know nocturnal owls typically “nap” during the day, so their eyes might be closed or at half-staff, but I’ve also wondered if the fact that they have supreme night vision might also mean they need to protect their eyes from the bright daytime sun?
LikeLike
Lovely – both the photograph and having the opportunity to see an owl. I hear owls here sometimes but have never seen one.
LikeLike
Very nice! Like you I rarely see owls, and I don’t believe I’ve seen a screech as of yet. Glad you had this opportunity.
LikeLike
I love these little owls. Very nice!
LikeLike
Awesome image of this screech owl, hiding in plain sight! What a master of camouflage. We have them in our area and it always amazes me how beautifully they blend in with the trees.
LikeLike
Wonderful!
LikeLike
Those Screech are so hard to find – nicely done.
LikeLike