An encounter with a Barred Owl at Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park

Stomachs growling, we hurriedly zig zagged down the mountain path intent on reaching the Lodge restaurant before it closed at 9pm.  We had pushed our time dangerously close to the cutoff, captivated by the brilliant sunset atop a rocky perch.  

As we neared the clearing that that led back to the lodge, my mom and I quickly made plans for one of us to run by the room to grab our wallets and the other to run and grab a table at the Lodge dining room.  We threw our hiking supplies and my camera in the truck of her car and parted ways.  

I reveled in the lasting glow of sunset magic as I hurried toward the room, appreciating the cool breeze that was more evident in the open space.  Preoccupied with my thoughts and growing hunger, I almost didn’t stop as I passed a few people gazing up at treetop.  However, my wildlife photographer curiosity got the best of me and I offhandedly asked if there was a bird in the tree.  The woman explained that it was actually an owl they were watching and that stopped me in my tracks.  I pivoted directions and joined them at the tree, my heart leaping with excitement.  Frustrated I had put my camera in the trunk, I took a few cell phone pictures and decided I had to run back for my camera.  I have been searching for and wanting to find an owl to photograph ever since I started my photography journey, but had not yet been successful.  Tuning in to my concern of losing the owl while I went for my camera, the woman graciously offered to keep watch.  

I sprinted to the car and as I returned saw the “owl watchers” had relocated to a nearby tree.  I thanked them and was able to get a few photos before I reluctantly had to leave to finish running by the room and then to dinner.  Brimming with excitement, I shared the story with my mom and Jacob and showed them the few photos I had gotten as we scarfed down chicken and waffles and macaroni and cheese.

One thing I have learned as a wildlife photographer is that if you see an animal somewhere (especially a hawk), there is a good chance they will return to that spot again.  This proved to be true with this owl.

And, as I found the next night, a second owl as well.  After talking to the rangers, I learned that there are actually 3 barred owls that are regulars at the lodge.  

These are photos of two of the three.  I believe I saw the third owl, but it seemed to be a bit more shy. I showed my photos to another wildlife photographer friend of mine, who has a lot more success at finding owls and she agreed this owls is an adult.

The juvenile was particularly interesting because of the call she repeated throughout our visit. It sounded something like “skeeeeee,” which is a begging type of call - for his/her parent or because he/she is hungry (per my googling).  I have some videos I’ll be posting soon that you can hear the call clearly in (they will be linked at the bottom of this post when I finish editing them).  

Probably my favorite part of this whole owl story was when myself, my mom and Jacob went out before bedtime to swing at the playground and then decided to go for a nighttime “owl hunt” (hunt as in find :).  We did manage to find her and I was able to record the whole experience on my phone.  

This whole owl experience is the perfect example of why I love wildlife photography as much as I do.  There is always an animal to be found that has been elusive and the awe I experience when I do is tangible.  It also sparks connections to other people, like the “owl watchers” at the beginning of this story and multiple other people I met at various trees through our stay.  It was so much fun talking and sharing excitement as we observed.  I also enjoyed being able to share what little knowledge I did have of owls and wildlife overall.  And, these opportunities create memories that I get to share with my mom and Jacob.  Hoping you enjoy these photos as well.