You’re more likely to see Barred Owls in the winter because they court now and they often emerge from the conifer shadows to soak up the warming sun.
They’re the only common owl in Maine with dark eyes. (Barn Owls have dark eyes, but they’re uncommon in Maine and rare in these parts.) All other northeastern owls have bright yellow eyes.
Barred Owls get their name from the vertical, jail-like bars on their chests. The first image is of an injured captive bird; the other two images here are of our wild neighbors.
(Brooklin, Maine)