Most Oregon Birders are familiar with the Barred Owl situation in Oregon.
But what about Idaho?
This 20+ year-old study found online by son in Burley ID.. Thankfully
there is (was?) some good work by our friends on the other side of the
border.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Mark <mmobrien@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, Oct 30, 2021 at 2:51 PM
Subject: Re: [obol] Re: Barred Owl question
To: Robert O'Brien <baro@xxxxxxx>
Barred owls prefer the conifer forests up in Northern and Central Idaho,
but have been seen as far south as Twin Falls, Burley and American Falls in
recent years. They hunt during the day here as well, especially on overcast
days, but I think generally they're nocturnal like other owls. Here's a
paper I came across from about 20 years ago.
On Fri, Oct 29, 2021, 3:33 PM Robert O'Brien <baro@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Well, yeaaah. This guy/gal has been around 3 or so years. S/he has
scared the socks off several visitors, some of whom have never seen an owl
period, let alone out in the daytime and flying around. Let alone so big.
But sunbathing...................................? For 20 minutes, 15
feet away on a sunny afternoon? I hadn't seen it all until this owl flew
in and joined me, also sunbathing.
In all this time I've heard it call only a single time one night. Last
few years have had a population explosion of Cottontails. That helps but
that population will surely crash, one way or another. Often hear the
Jays, et al. who have located it in some daily roost all around the place.
The owl is unconcerned.
On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 2:02 PM Andy Thomas <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
I have seen active Barred Owls in daylight many times.
Andrew
On Friday, October 29, 2021, 01:55:53 PM PDT, Darrel Faxon <
t4c1x@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
A couple of times lately I have seen Barred Owls out and about in broad
daylight. I assume they were hunting. Is this an accurate assessment, and
does it agree with what others have observed?
Darrel
