Newstead _ Barking Owls

This pair has been resident in a particular tree in Newstead, near Castlemaine, for a few weeks now. These images were taken about 7am with the sun behind them. Fortunately one was facing each way so you get to see both "sides" of the bird at once.

There are only two poses. Static owls at the top of a branching tree does not give much scope for composition. Still brilliant to see.

Both had their eyes closed at first but a single "ruff ruff" from me had the left one in the first image alert in an instant. So after taking the photos I had breakfast just a few metres from their tree at a table in the Newstead Rotunda Nature Reserve during which they started a short "ruff-ruff" duet for a few minutes.

f5.6 and be there!

Barking Owl Ninox connivens