Two related observations.
The first was a carcass of a Red-tailed Hawk we found in an area of
Champoeg State Park (a few years ago) that was inhabited by both Great
Horned and Barred Owls. The deceased was identified by the feathers and
bones that were left behind. The hypothesized ID of the suspect was never
widely agreed to.
The second was our recent out-of-state sighting of three owls (2 Barn, 1
Long-eared) roosting in the same tree that was less than a hundred feet
away from another tree that was host to an active Red-tailed Hawk nest.
http://www.jack-n-jill.net/blog/2016/3/san-jacinto-wildlife-area---riverside-county-california
My conclusion is large owls (including the sweet-looking Barn Owl) do not
fear the Red-tailed Hawk.
Owl's superior night vision, near silent flight, and the fact that they
don't build but often take over nests of others, makes me wonder what
species-territory would you choose to invade if you were a large nocturnal
owl - if not the Red-tailed Hawk's?
Your thoughts, as always, are greatly appreciated.
Jack Williamson
West Linn, Oregon
