Sometimes it just good manners in Siouxland to acknowledge a neighbor and go on one’s way, even if begrudgingly. On a visit to Moorehead Park looking for owls I found the Barred Owl sunning itself in a tree cavity. This is something I don’t often get to photograph but then was surprised, pleasantly so, when a Blue Jay showed up and apparently was not pleased to see the owl.
As it danced a little jig on the branch, the owl slowly opened its eyes then closed them again, apparently thinking its nap time was more important than his feathered visitor, who eventually left. I guess it’s better to ignore small annoyances sometimes that get worked up about them.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
lostinsiouxland 
Nice capture!!!!! Blue jays an other birds help me find the barred and great horned owls. They loudly complain when they notice them in their area.
This one didn’t say a thing. Just kind of tap danced on the branch and then flew off. The owl the entire time just ignored it. I’ve seen a few humans behave the same way as both the jay and the owl.
The father owl this year would loudly startle people walking on a trail in the woods by hooting loudly. It was kind of funny. He was not anywhere near the nest tree when he did it. It makes me wonder if he had a sense of humour or just wanted to scare the people. No one would have known he was there if he did not make a sound.
That’s pretty sweet.