The barred owl (Strix varia) is one of the most common owls here in central Florida, but still it isn’t seen all that often. Like most owls, they are nocturnal and are most active between dusk and dawn. They are more active at dusk and dawn than many other owls, however, making them easier to spot than some. They also tend to be reclusive, preferring to rest high up in tree foliage or inside cavities in older trees. Their preferred habitat is areas with old growth deciduous trees or deciduous trees mixed with conifers. They also often prefer to have a water source fairly nearby. Interestingly, though, barred owls will sometimes live in urban areas as long as there are stands of old growth trees nearby. Even though these birds are not often seen, if they are around it’s easy to hear their loud”who cooks for you” calls. The calls are used to communicate with mates and to establish and protect territories. These birds are residents in their chosen territories and don’t usually migrate. They can be found from middle Canada and throughout the eastern United States. Northern populations have spread westerward through most of Canada.

Barred owls tend to bond for life and pairs will stake out a territory as their permanent home. They usually begin breeding at 2-3 years of age and they can live into their twenties in the wild. They nest in tree hollows or sometimes other birds abandoned nests. They will also use old squirrel nests occasionally. They eat primarily rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels, but they have also been known to hunt snakes, frogs, small birds, lizards, and even insects. Barred owls are a species that is actually currently doing well, and even expanding its range westward. This bird was down in the grass in a neighbor’s yard when I drove by on my way home from work. It was getting towards dusk, but there was still enough light to shoot photos. Needless to say, I was quite pleased with the sighting and with an actual opportunity to photograph this magnificent bird.