For as long as I have been birding I have dreamed of seeing a Barn Owl in the wild. The closest I have come was a quick flyby at Whitewater Draw that was both exhilarating and disappointing at the same time. That all changed today most unusually.

This afternoon we found ourselves at decrepit old steel barn in the middle of nowhere. As we began to explore the premises, we were encouraged by the thick layer of pellets lining the floor throughout the building. We carefully began to explore the interior, hoping for a resident Barn Owl — no such luck. We did find two stunning Great Horned Owls which posed wonderfully for us. Having sated our Owl cravings, we decided to leave and be grateful for that experience.

Then, as I was getting in the passenger side of the car, my good friend casually asked if I really wanted to see a Barn Owl. With a history of pulling my leg behind him, I sarcastically replied "Sure."

He stoically responded, "Then come over to the driver's side."

As I neared the driver side door, he pointed to the top of the barn. There, tucked cozily into a box-like structure at the far end of the barn stood the Owl gazing down at us. Even with a 600mm lens, I could not get a close shot. But, to me, the metal structures surrounding the bird lend the image a compelling character. It is almost like the Owl lives in an abstract world where man and nature collide. In this instance, I find it balanced and beautiful. I am humbled and blessed to have had the experience.
Shoot Date: November 27, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Shutter priority ¹⁄₂₅₀ sec at f/8.0 ⅓ EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 100