Barred owl

Description:

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.

Habitat:

Seen in a conservation area along a local creek.

Notes:

In the second photo you can see the owl getting ready to regurgitate a pellet.