Maryland Sea Grant Backyard Ecology: Barred Owl

Though Barred Owls (Strix varia) are common in Maryland, there is nothing ordinary about their unwavering, penetrating gaze. Elusive and well camouflaged, they’re typically nighttime hunters, so it is fairly uncommon to see them in broad daylight.
But this owl, resting in a loblolly pine in a residential backyard on Maryland’s Eastern Shore on a sunny winter afternoon, has fleeting interest in the camera’s attention.
It’s probably no coincidence that this #owl and its brethren are regular visitors to this location. The yard is adjacent to a large meadow and is surrounded by tall loblolly and white pines that look down over some very active bird feeders.
Nearby are acres of woods with hardwood and pine trees, full of potential nesting sites (barred owls nest in cavities and even abandoned squirrel, crow, and hawk nests) and bifurcated with creeks. The Corsica River is a quarter-mile distant.
Barred owls usually prey on meadow voles, but they also eat birds and frogs. So this backyard habitat is helping provide them with cover, nesting possibilities, and prime hunting grounds.
Maryland is home to eight of North America’s 18 species of #owls, and the Barred Owl can be found here year-round. If you want to try to make a home for one in your backyard, try building a nest box - check the ‪@MarylandDNR‬ website for plans!
🎞:: Wendy Mitman Clarke / MDSG
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