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Submitted By
Sarah Harrington
Portland, OR, USA
Description
We started hearing and seeing much more of two Barred Owls in March around the time the COVID-19 Pandemic hit. We’ve been clearing the woods of invasive ivy and holly trees with time at home. The owls have been watching us. They seem to enjoy having more open understory with holly trees going away and have more ground to hunt. We’ve found two owl pellets, both of which showed strong evidence of mole remains. We’ve also found some rabbit parts. In May we started hearing baby sounds. This second week of June we finally saw them and they are fledging. We think there are at least two owlets.
Category
Species
Barred Owl Family
Cool!!!
Hi Sarah!
I have been wanting to comment on your barred owl family photos for some time. They are fantastic, especially the third photo of the barred owl watching you, I presume!
I too experienced a barred owl family this season here in Western NY on our property and submitted photos to Birdspotter. You may have seen them.
My husband and I met in Portland Oregon in 1978 and moved, via bicycle, to our place here in Arcade, NY in 1980. It’s a long story. But, we loved Portland and Oregon and we love it here in western NY.
I don’t think that the barred owl was even in the Pacific NW when we were there. From what I know this species is actually causing a problem for the spotted owl, which is Native to the PNW. Too bad, but the barred owl still a magnificent and exciting owl species to observe.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Keep watching!
Donna Barski
I agree with Donna Barski, your photos are beautiful! I love Barred Owls, they are such incredible birds.