Sometimes things are hidden in plain sight. While on a hike on a busy forest trail we ran across this beautiful Barred Owl sitting in plain sight only a few feet off the trail and perched low in a tree. Innumerable hikers walked right past without noticing. Even when we stopped to take a few photos only a few folks stopped to ask what we were photographing.

I am always amazed at how little most people actually see of this world. And I wonder what I am not seeing. I am in NYC for a few weeks doing a residency and every so often I stop and look up. Just to see what is above my eye level. And it’s quite beautiful.
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It does seem that our focus of observation has shifted from outward to somewhat inward if that makes sense.
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Wow!
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Yes.
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What a cool shot. I would have been so excited.
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Thanks, it was fun to see this beautiful owl just looking back at us and somewhat at ease. Made for a good morning walk. Hope you are doing well this fine morning.
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Brilliant
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Thanks and I hope your week is off to a great start.
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Yes, that lack of seeing stuns me. It takes a mind curious about the natural world, and a certain level of awareness to tune in to that special wavelength. Out walking this am enjoying the bustling life of the hedgerows and this time of year. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos.
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Thanks Melissa, it seems like observation of the world around us has shifted to observation of the world within us so to speak. Hope you are having a great day and your week is off to a great start.
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I wish we had these little owls here… they are so sweet. What luck!
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Hi, hope your day is going well. yes we are lucky here to have such wonderful birds left to observe.
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He must be thinking, “Ah, humans, such a curious and sad species.”
“A wise old owl sat in an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?”
Beautiful capture – I’m grateful for your keen observations!
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Hi Eliza, nice poem always something to be learned form the oak and the owl. Why is listening so hard?
Hope your Monday is off to a fine start.
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Those eyes! What an incredible bird
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Hi LB, those are sweet eyes. Hope you are doing well and your week is off to a great start.
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Happened to me many times. Excellent shot.
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Hi Alix, thanks and hope you are doing well and receiving from you travels. 🙂
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Thanks Buddy.
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Your welcome.
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Beautiful!
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Thanks, hope you are having a great day.
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What a cute face and eyes! I have been trying to capture a photo of one just like this one at a local zoo, but she is always half-asleep and camera-shy 😀 This photo is great!
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Thanks Paula, this owl does have very kind and gentle eyes and was not at all camera shy that morning. Perhaps a tad bit sleepy and just waiting patiently for us to move on.
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So lovely! I love owls so much.
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Hi, thanks for the feedback as we really appreciate it. Owls are indeed amazing birds and such variety within the species.
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