New Year's Treat

On the morning of January 1^st, the squawks and calls of the neighborhood birds served as notification that a Barred Owl (Strix varia) had come to roost in my neighbor’s hemlock. Seeing this large raptor was a wonderful way to begin the new year! Can you spot her peeking from behind the ivy leaves in the picture? 

Having seen both male and female Barred owls in my neighborhood, I know that the female is larger than the male. This massive bird is a female. Her feathers have serrated edges that ensure her flight is silent so that she can surprise her prey. She is silent until late winter when she will begin calling to her mate. I rely on other birds to act as my sentries and notify me as to the owl’s whereabouts.

Listen to nature’s sounds, learn their meanings and enjoy the wonders you’ll find. And clip that ivy before it climbs your trees!