Hoot!

Thomas Linton · Jan 29, 2013

This is unrelated to skills, but still . . . .

A Barred Owl appeared on a low branch of a pine in our back yard a good half hour before sundown (cloudy day), and there he sat until we could no longer see him (her?) Very cool. Probably from the mature beech woods in the park .25 mi. in that direction.

Cats went nuts. Dog not impressed; went back to napping after seeing what cats were carrying on about.

http://www.owling.com/Barred.htm

JWL · Jan 30, 2013

I get barred owls in my woods here at home regularly. I love their call -- so distinctive. One night there were 2-3 of them near me, sounded like they were throwing a party of some sort. 1 female, and maybe 2 males. I bet the males were strutting their stuff for the female companionship.... LOL

Thomas Linton · Jan 30, 2013

Famously noisy.

kvaughn · Jan 30, 2013

In the spring I talk back and forth with them in the woods near the house. Sometimes I can get 3 or 4 going at the same time and then just sit back and let them go at each other.--KV

Thomas Linton · Jan 31, 2013

I have heard from others that they respond to people trying to imitate their calls. I will have to try it.

I know young Red Shoulder Hawks will come check me out if I whistle sorta' like their call, but they lose interest after a couple of times. (Silly human!)

Thomas Linton · Jan 31, 2013

I have heard from others that they respond to people trying to imitate their calls. I will have to try it.

I know young Red Shoulder Hawks will come check me out if I whistle sorta' like their call, but they lose interest after a couple of times. (Silly human!)

kvaughn · Jan 31, 2013

Thomas Linton said:
I have heard from others that they respond to people trying to imitate their calls. I will have to try it.

I know young Red Shoulder Hawks will come check me out if I whistle sorta' like their call, but they lose interest after a couple of times. (Silly human!)

They will absolutely respond to you imitating them and you dont even have to be good at it. They're not picky.--KV

dwarthog · Jan 31, 2013

Barred owls are neat.

It's getting close to the time for them to start nesting, depending are where you located. No doubt the ones in Ohio are scoping out some likely homes for the upcoming event.

I lived in Minnesota out in the country on some heavily wooded acreage and when they were in full courtship mode, I swear it sounded like a troop of monkeys were out there instead of owls.