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We've been hearing owls in our new neighborhood ever since we moved in February. Our subdivision is full of huge old trees, mostly oaks. We are close to Grant's Farm, Whitecliff Park, a quarry, and a decent sized creek, so I guess it makes sense, but it is still somehow surprising. {We are near the x in the map below and all the yellow space is essentially park land.} Last night we had one of these bad boys in our yard - a barred owl. We discovered it around 7:30 when we were leaving for a short walk. It was still light outside and it was in a tree in the front yard. Lindsey tried to get a picture with his phone, but it didn't come out too clearly. When we returned home a short time later, he flew to the back yard. The blue jays and robins were squawking. All the birds were in a funk. Audrey was who whooing. Lindsey was prowling. It was kind of a magical little happening.
I grew up in the country and have never had as close proximity to wildlife as I do now. I don't even need binoculars. From the kitchen table in the morning, I regularly see chipmunks scurrying about the rock-walled herb garden. The stones are tumbling and in need of repair, but I fear doing so will disturb their habitat too much. The birds racket wakes me nearly every morning. I am loving it.
Lindsey did the legwork identifying the species. In researching the barred owl, the most common way their call is referenced is, "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?" That I love, as well. Listen!
