Barred Owl of the woodshouse

This has been a long winter for most parts of the United States. I haven't lived in Kansas long, but many of the folks who've grown up here have commented on how tough it's been. Three ice storms, one that knocked out our power for a week, and a lot of snow and cold temperatures had us pining for spring.

But some have had it worse...

My mom sent this photo from "the woodshouse", her beautiful home in Northern Wisconsin. Apparently, the abundant snowcover this winter was preventing the owls from feeding, and many were dying of starvation. Word went out to put out food if these barred owls were seen in your area, but this one didn't get to that point. She told me how soft the feathers were, and how light it felt.