I used to think that the owls slept all day long, but after getting numerous shots of them with their eye's wide open, not so sure about that any more. At least they are not flying around in the day time, so when you do find one, it's pretty easy to get some shots. Especially since they are sometimes in some really dark spots and there has to be quite a few adjustments made on the camera settings to get the optimal light.
I love your buddy - he is such a neat looking owl - and always looks like he's so patient for you though I know you're some distance off. Your settings are always so good for his background.