The Brown-eyed Barred Owl

All Pennsylvania owls have yellow eyes except the barn owl and barred owl, which have brown eyes.

Today's photo is of a barred owl and was taken by WPC President Larry Schweiger.

Barred owls are adaptable birds and have learned to live near man; although they most often prefer extensive forestland, where they nest in hollow trees. Like many other species of owls, they often hunt for rodents and other birds. The barred owl is a master of vocalizations. The call of this owl is often heard at night, but can occur during daylight hours as well, resulting in people wondering what the sound actually is. The standard call is often translated as sounding much like "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" The barred owl makes a host of other sounds too, including squirrel-like barking, monkey-like hoots and yells, and even blood curdling screams! No doubt the sounds made by barred owls have made some folks wonder whether or not their local woodland was haunted!

The barred owl is the most commonly encountered owl at WPC's Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County, where campers are sometimes treated to its wild calls.

Reference: (in part) The Carolina Nature Center

WPC's September 13th All-Day Event "Wild in the Woods" at Bear Run Nature Reserve is open to the public and offers guided hikes, wild animals, hayrides and much more...

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