Barred Owl with a Rat

As I walked along a wooded trail leading down to a local lake, a dark silhouette up in a tree caught my eye. It had the shape of an owl, and judging from the large lump hanging from its talons, it had prey. My heart raced as I searched for the least intrusive way to get near the owl without scaring it. To my surprise, it didn't mind my presence, and let me get a bunch of great shots.