Adrian Balikowski looked up into the branches of a tree in his Grays Plains Road yard Thursday evening, May 7, and was treated to an uncommon sighting.

Perched in the branches were two barred owls, peering down at him.

Quick to get his camera, Balikowski was able to capture a photo of the primarily nocturnal birds.

According to audubon.org, barred owls are permanent residents of this area in all seasons. They will hunt both night and day, preying mostly on small mammals, as well as small birds, frogs, snakes, lizards, and some insects.

“The rich baritone hooting” of the barred owl is often voiced in duet by members of a pair.

Barred owls nest in hollows of trees, or will sometimes nest in an “old nest of hawk, crow, or squirrel.”