Photo by Patty Dexter
Beautiful Barred Owl
Somehow it’s creepier when their eyes are all black.
It’s weird because we usually like it in puppies. Small eyed birds don’t creep me out either. And large, yellow irises invoke predator eyes, which is intimidating but not creepy. Its the big pool of blackness that gives me the heebie-jeebies.
Humankind has had a long time to learn to appreciate puppy eyes. Owls have spooked us since we were little monkey-men. It’s natural we feel a bit of unease. Owls are likely behind many spooky stories throughout the ages-always popping out of the dark, eyes staring from the trees, swooping in silence, eating things whole. There’s still a lot of owls I share with you guys that we know almost nothing about other than they exist. We know more about some other planets than we do about some of these owls. They’ll likely stay mysterious for a long time.
They’re cute lil spooky birds though! 🥰
This one looks super contemplative. Very relaxing image to look at thanks x
The whole Spotted Owl thing gets pushed off on these poor Barred Owls as them being aggressive, but they are just more adaptable.
Don’t get me wrong, they’re still birds of prey and will kill other things including other owls, but I haven’t seen anything making them look any more aggressive than any other owl.
I’m my personal experience, Barreds generally seem less offended to have me in their presence than most other owls. I’ve watched them with with their handlers and they’re as cooperative as can be expected. I think they are at least as calm and peaceful as any other owl.
I’ve really developed a soft spot for them in particular. I’m typically a fan of the underdog, and in this case, the under-owl. Much Barred love from me!