Barn Owls are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. Jim O'Brien got up early one morning and was surprised to see this Barn Owl asleep in a tree.

Jim's photo looks like a beautiful painting. Barn Owls are nocturnal; they find a secluded place to roost during the day. This particular owl woke up when Jim took the photo and flew away.

They hunt at night, using their excellent hearing to find rodents. Barn Owls don't hoot like many other owls. They have a raspy call. You can hear it at this link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Owl/sounds

Thanks to Jim for allowing me to share his photo with you here.