A curious juvenile Barred Owl perches in the branches of a cottonwood tree, its wide eyes fixated on the camera. This candid shot captures a moment of quiet observation as the young bird surveys its surroundings in Gustavus, AK. Barred owls are known for their distinctive call that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” and carries far through the forest at night. Unlike many owls, they are comfortable hunting both day and night and will eat a wide variety of prey, from mice and frogs to fish and crayfish. Their large, dark eyes and streaked brown-and-white plumage help them blend into wooded habitats, while their ability to fly silently makes them highly effective ambush hunters. Photographer: Sean Neilson