I just stood infront of a barred owl sitting on a street sign, is this normal?

I pulled over because he was just sitting there on the side of this street sign, he was BEAUTIFUL, I got out of my car and walked RIGHT UP to him, I couldn't have been but maybe 4 feet from him? I Just stood there in awe gazing at him, I finally walked back to my car and thats when he flew off.... is it normal for owls to let this happen?? It was kind of amazing in a spooky yet awesome way LOL