Spring’s rebirth is always uplifting, especially when Dyke Marsh’s avian heroes and heroines put on a show.  In May 2021, many people delighted in observing a barred owl pair (Strix varia) and their three young near the Haul Road trail.

Josh Brick shared a video of the two adults appearing to display affection or preening.  “It was hard to pull ourselves away,” Josh reported.

Two adult barred owls. Photo by Josh Brick

Adult barred owls are around 21 inches long and weigh a little over a pound.  They are one of the few owls that people see during the day, but generally, they roost during the day and hunt at night.   They are known for their haunting, baritone, night call, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all.”  They are named for their “bars” or striped plumage. 

Barred owls live in mixed forests with large trees and often near water.  They are highly adaptable to varied habitats, including mixed forests and disturbed areas. “Barred owls are the opportunists of the owl world,” wrote Leigh Clavez in The Hidden Lives of Owls. They usually nest in a natural cavity 20 to 40 feet high in a large tree and the owlets start flying around six weeks of age. 

            Many fans snapped photos. Here we share some from Jane Gamble and Ed Eder and Josh Brick’s video.

Two barred owlets in Dyke Marsh. Photo by Jane Gamble	A barred owlet fluffed up, waiting for parents to bring food. Photo by Jane Gamble	The barred owlet is stretching its talons. Photo by Jane Gamble
Young owl in Dyke Marsh, May 2021. Photo by Ed Eder