Barred Owl

April 2012. Saw this pretty owl in my backyard and it let me photograph it for about 45 minutes!

From wikipedia, revised by me: "The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is a large owl native to North America. It goes by many other names, including Eight Hooter, Rain Owl, Wood Owl, and Striped Owl, but is probably best known as the Hoot Owl based on its call." ... "It is the only owl of the eastern United States which has brown eyes; all others have yellow eyes. The head is round and lacks ear tufts, a distinction from the Short-eared Owl." ... "It hunts by waiting on a high perch at night, or flying through the woods and swooping down on prey. A Barred Owl can sometimes be seen hunting before dark." ... "The usual call is a series of eight accented hoots ending in oo-aw, with a downward pitch at the end. The most common mnemonic device for remembering the call is "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all." " ... go to: [link] for all references, more info, etc.