Ruling the roost

Originally published September 16, 2019 at 4:32 pm

A barred owl sits atop the roots of a downed tree, scanning for prey, Monday in the Woodland Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum. Also known as hoot owls, barred owls are native to east North America, but have expanded their territory westward. (Steve Ringman / The Seattle Times)

The owl draws a crowd of curious walkers and photographers as it sits near the pond at the Woodland Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum. (Steve Ringman / The Seattle Times)

Barred owls, like this one in the Washington Park Arboretum, can be seen out and about during the day, particularly when there are owlets nearby or the day is overcast. (Steve Ringman / The Seattle Times)

The barred owl is a fairly large owl, and can weigh nearly 2 pounds and have a wingspan of more than 40 inches. These owls often hunt from a perch but will hunt on the wing. This one is perched on an old downed tree in the Washington Park Arboretum. (Steve Ringman / The Seattle Times)

Ruling the roostBack to story Restart gallery

A barred owl, also called a hoot owl, draws curious onlookers Monday as it perches in the the Woodland Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum.

By

Steve Ringman

Seattle Times staff photographer

Steve Ringman: sringman@seattletimes.com.