Spooky Sounds
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Read MoreBarred Owl (Strix varia)
This Barred Owl (Strix varia) saw me long before I saw it, monitoring my movements from afar while perched in this tree on a cloudy May morning. Those enormous dark eyes tracked me in a relaxed fashion as I was still rather far away when I noticed it. I had been watching several warblers and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher before my eyes stumbled on this slightly larger species. Barred Owls are, of course, usually snoozing during the day, but not always – and the spring season is when I have seen them the most active diurnally. This bird did not wake up because I was there, nor was it sleepy....
Read MoreDiurnal Barred Owl
Recently I heard a Barred Owl calling during the mid-afternoon on a warm, beautiful day. It did not take but a few minutes for an even closer bird to start asking, “Who cooks for you?” in response. They were relatively close to me but out of sight in neighboring yards. This photo is from a past sighting of a diurnal Barred Owl during the early spring when the leaves were already popping. Keep an ear open for these nocturnal neighbors all day and night! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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