The Barred Owl

http://www.owl-pictures.net/barred_owl_pictures.html

Owls are such an amazing animal, how can you not blog about them?

Barred Owls are a large bird that typically live in large blocks of forest.  They range in length from about 16-20in with a wingspan of about 39-44in and weight about 16-37oz.  They have been known to live up to 32 years in captivity and only about 10 out in the wild.

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4632

  

Barred Owls usually hunt at night.  They sit on a high perch and both look at listen for their prey.  They commonly eat small mammals, rabbits, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.  They are ground foragers so once they have spotted their prey they dive down to the ground to retrieve it.

FUN FACTS:

---The Barred Owls ears are just holes on the side of its head.  One ear is higher then the other so that it can tell if a sound is coming from above it or below it.

---If a baby falls out of the nest before it learns to fly it usually climbs back up the tree using its strong beak and talons.

---They have a special inner eyelid to block the sun during the day.

---The only natural predator of the Barred Owl is the Great Horned Owl

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/barred-owl-nursery-jennie-marie-schell.html