Contemplation

While walking down Snake River Line in Pembroke Ontario, I heard a mewing sound coming from a deciduous woodlot. Thinking it was some sort of cat or weasel-like mammal I follow the sound into the woods. Since it was early spring the forest was very open with only a tiny bit of green on the trees. I focussed on the ground intently but saw nothing until I looked up and realized I was almost face to face with this barred owl. I am used to barred owls making their "who cooks for you" call. I had never heard the solicitation call of a female before. It almost sounded like a big cat. I didn't move, I photographed it as it stayed there patiently. After four or five minutes I heard another adult in the woods giving the typical call. When she heard it she perked up and flew away. Her demeanour of quiet contemplation during the encounter was striking.