Bird Lane Interpretive Trail

Physical Traits

Large owl, head round with no ear tufts, eyes dark, underparts whitish with dark streaks.

Habitat

Forested areas, from swamps and riparian areas to uplands. Prefers large blocks of forest-extensive woodlands.

Diet

Small mammals, rabbits, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.

Behavior

Wades in water to catch crayfish.

Nest Building Techniques

Builds in cavities in deciduous trees or uses open nest made by hawk or crow. Also uses nest boxes.

Migration and Range

Resident. Non-migratory.

Cool Facts

The belly feathers of some Barred Owls are pink. This coloring may be the result of eating a lot of crayfish.

Barred Owl populations have expanded westward in the last century. The more aggressive Barred Owl may displace the endangered Spotted Owl. Hybrids of the two species are also known.

Great Horned Owl is the most serious predatory threat to the Barred Owl. Although they often live in the same areas, the Barred Owl will avoid parts of its territory occupied by a Great Horned Owl

Where is the Owl?

Look ahead past the station post,
now look to the left back down the trail,
look to the right of the trail edge,
another 5 meters past the large tree off the trail,
look up about 2 meters in an American Beech tree,
close to the trunk,
on a limb growing to the right is the Barred Owl replica.

Want a picture of where to look ??
Want to see the replica ??