Bird of the Week for April 5: Barred Owl

How cool are owls? One of my favorite birds is the barred owl. Every year, a couple of barred owls nests in a cypress dome that I can easily access. I love their "who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all" hoot! They are found in forested areas, including swamps all the way along the gradient to uplands. I often hear them calling during the day throughout the year.
Barred owls feed on small mammals, birds, frogs, snakes, lizards, fish, and more. hunting occurs primarily at night or dusk/dawn but are often active during the day. While sitting on a high perch, they scan the ground and listen for prey which they capture after a short flight/drop onto the ground.
They are monogamous, and it is believed that they pair for life!  Nests are often in cavities of deciduous tees (such as my pair) or they will use open nests made by hawks. The female will incubate the nest for 28-33 days.  Young stay in the nest for 42 days while being fed by both parents. The young hatch helpless, with closed eyes, and they are covered in white down.