The Owl Pages Forum

[ripbillanew1]

I was in North Chagrin reservation, Chardon, Ohio, these past 2 days and have now seen 2 similar owls, not far from the paths in the woods, that I failed to completely identify. Can't remember the eyes of one, and, as close as I was to the other (right underneath), it was too dark to see its eyes, though I'd guess they were black (they were iridescent yellow when it moved its head). I'm guessing they're both around 15 inches high, mostly dappled/spotted white against a brownish background, kinda like a young deer, round head, no ears,and defined, circular white orbits around the eyes.

Couldn't believe how little the one cared about me being so close. I'm guessing these are "barred owls." I guess if someone can tell me the likelihood in general of seeing one or the other, that's good enough for me. I would guess there's predominantly one or the other in these wooded areas. I seem to remember reading that short-eared might not be seen in heavily wooded areas, but rather near fields--is that right?

whichever breed they are, are they naturally, as i've read somewhere, "ambivalent to humans", or are they just used to shlubs like me walkin' around the park?

thanks for reading.

[owlboy]

Sounds like a Barred Owl. They are often found in the woods. they are very curious and friendly.

Short-Eared Owls are usually in larger fields, and are very difficult to approach. You are more likely to find them in the Winter in Ohio, then the Summer.
_________________
Always looking for Owls in Greene County NY

[pik-n-fin]

I know that park extremely well as I've spent a lot of time there. If you go to the Nature Museum in that park by Sunset Pond ( I think it's called), you'll find another Nature Center just past the main building in which they have some live owls. It's open on the weekends and holidays, I believe. They were injured at some point in the wild and now the naturalists take care of them in a zoo type display. They have Great Horned, Barred, Screech and Barn owls that you can see. Perhaps that will help you confirm what you saw. I believe that the naturalists will tell you that the first three are the most common in those woods. Hope that helps-

[owlboy]

GHO, Barred, and Screech owls are the most common in Ohio. Barn Owls are becoming rare on the east coast. Owlets scream/calls can be very hard to tell apart sometimes. It could be a GHO or a Barred. But to me, it did sound a little like LEO owlet. I do have to note that LEO in Ohio in the summer is very rare. Both GHO and Barred Owls are still caring for their young. Barred Owls will care for them until August. GHO can care for their owlets until as far as December. Both Barred and GHO owlets will usually continue to scream/call in the presents of people. LEO owlets usually will not. It does seem hard to believe that it could be a LEO owlet, but never-say-never.

Most owls learn their calls from their parents. Before they learn the distinctive calls of their species, they often just scream. That is why identifying owlet screams/calls can be difficult.

The best way to identify them is to look for them. Sometimes you have to follow the parents back to their roosting point. Probably well hidden in the trees. This could easily take a number of visits. We person told me that it took him over a month to locate a Barred Owl nest.

I should also note that most owlets will be out of their nest, and roosting in the trees.

Barred Owls will usually nest in tree cavities 7" or larger. GHO will nest in old hawk or squirrel nest high up in the trees. Screeches use smaller tree cavities. Sometimes Screech owls will have a second clutch, so you may still find some nesting.
_________________
Always looking for Owls in Greene County NY