Barred Owl Dreaming

I have always been fascinated by owls and pelicans. On this occasion, I had been out trying sneak up on ducks (impossible); but as I was coming back through a wooded area, I saw movement in the trees. I immediately stopped and spotted the Barred Owl sitting in the tree.

I began snapping photos through the windshield of the truck, thinking it would fly off any minute. But it didn't, I leaned out the window taking photos and it still stayed.

We ended up spending almost 2 hours together! I was finally brave (I didn't want it to fly away) enough to get out of the truck. And instead of flying away, it flew closer - twice!

I took over 300 photos and 6 short videos. I even left once and came back. It hung around while I called my birding mentor and bragged. And finally it silently disappeared into the woods.

Of all of the photos this is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy and let me know how I could have improved the image.

Thanks!

Nikon D80
300mm
AF-C
F/5.6
1/50x
-0.7EV
Matrix
ISO 400