This gorgeous photo came courtesy of Bob and Pat Balsom with the following e-mail:

Pat came home to a large bird under one of our feeders that flew up into the Canadian Hemlock by our porch. He sat, quite unimpressed by her, for a couple of hours giving her the opportunity to take some great pictures. Attached is one of the best of the Barred Owl that graced our tree.

Bob

Dear Bob and Pat,

I am jealous! I can't remember the last time I saw a barred owl in the daytime, never mind one that was sitting in a tree in my own yard.

--Bill