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Strix varia
Other names for this owl include Eight Hooter, Rain Owl, Wood Owl, and Striped Owl. It is the only typical owl of the eastern United States which has brown eyes; all others have yellow eyes. Recent studies show suburban neighborhoods can be ideal habitat for barred owls. Using transmitters, scientists found that populations increased faster in the suburban settings than in old growth forest. A factor of this suburban success may be easily accessible rodent prey in such settings. However, for breeding and roosting needs, this species needs at least some large trees and can be locally absent in some urban areas for this reason. The main danger to owls in suburban settings is from cars. The increased offspring offset the death rate due to impacts from cars and disease.
Town neighborhood
I took these photos when this barred owl was released after having been rehabilitated for an injury by the rescue organization, CLAWS.
12 Comments
this fellow is amazing! Reminds me of "legend of the guardians"
Thanks for your nice comments, Christy, duttagupta35504, Jacob, chesterpberry, Antonio, EnvUnlimited and Mark. It's very cool to see one of the rehabilitated birds released.
Excellent Maria. What a face in 6.
awesome Maria,great capture,beautiful story,congrats and thanks for sharing
I have to say the second photo is my favorite.
What a spectacular spotting for a spectacular story!
This first photo is really beautiful. The owl somehow seems happy... or is that just me? The story behind it is really cool too.
Oh Maria, what a beautiful series!! That's great that you got to be part of the release!
Yeah i agree!
Thanks, AliceGreenup and Rieko! I like the last photo, too, but thought the bird in flight better represented its release.
Very very nice and beautiful.
Gorgeous photos maria! I especially love the last one!